by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright July 11, 2002
All Rights Reserved.

aking a pilgrimage to Baghdad, Nation of Islam chief Louis Farrakhan pledged solidarity with Saddam Hussein and the Iraqi people. Despite the 1991 Gulf War and Iraq's possible links to renegade millionaire terrorist Osama bin Laden, Farrakhan showed little remorse about grandstanding on the world stage. With news reports surfacing about U.S. plans to topple Iraq, Farrakhan told the Iraqi News Agency that American Muslims stand squarely with Iraq. Though the State Department denied knowing about his mischief, Farrakhan held high-level talks with Islamic Affairs Minister Abdul Munem Saleh on "ways to confront American threats against Iraq." With Iraq engaged in sporadic combat with U.S. jets in the no-fly zone and with more Mideast terrorism reaching U.S. soil, Farrakhan's statements border on treason. INA quoted the fiery Black Muslim leader, "the Muslim people are praying to the almighty God to grant victory to Iraq," proving, if nothing else, that Farrakhan has gone over the deep end.

      Facing trial in August in federal court, American Taliban John Walker Lindh awaits his day of reckoning—though not charged with treason. Without his U.S. passport, Farrakhan would face a firing squad, especially in repressive regimes like Iraq and Syria. Let there be no mistake, Farrakhan is on no "peace mission" trying to humiliate the U.S. government and undermine foreign policy. Iraq's official news agency reported that Farrakhan tried to "expose the American and Zionist crimes toward the people of Iraq," including the ongoing U.N. sanctions that Iraq claims have cost millions of lives. Official U.S. policy seeks a "regime change," though not yet announcing how and when. Farrakan's "humanitarian" mission seeks to highlight Iraq's exaggerated claims about U.N. sanctions. Meeting with Iraq's Health Minister Omeed Mubarak, Farrakhan was briefed about the "effects of the sanctions on Iraq and the health reality represented by the deaths of 1.6 million people a year because of food and medical shortages," said INA, spreading Saddam's propaganda.

      Farrakan's "peace mission" helps Saddam's disinformation campaign, meddles with U.S. foreign policy and builds more bad blood in the Islamic world. Iraq welcomes high-profile U.S. renegades to exploit pernicious propaganda. Loose cannons like Farrakhan can't be allowed to compromise national security by inciting more violence against U.S. interests. With Egyptian-born Islamist Heshman Mohammed Hadayet terrorizing LAX on July 4th, jihad has already incubated in America. Pretending his homicidal binge was only a random act of violence feeds a dangerous delusion that Mideast terrorism hasn't reached American soil. Generating more outrage over U.S. foreign policy—specifically U.N. sanctions against Iraq—invites Islamic zealots enjoying religious freedom in America to lash out. While Hadayet's connection to global terror isn't yet known, his politically motivated rampage can't be ignored.

      Secretary of State Colin L. Powell must take a serious look at U.S. citizens threatening national security—especially during wartime. When overseas, Farrakhan no longer speaks only for the Nation of Islam. As a U.S. citizen, his constitutional rights don't give him license to flirt with the enemy and jeopardize American interests. With the war on terrorism taking American lives, the State Department can't allow U.S. citizens to promote distorted views of America or antagonize dangerous enemies. Since the Gulf War, U.N. sanctions were the only means of preventing Iraq from developing dangerous weapons and threatening neighbors. If Iraqis have suffered, it's the fault of Iraq's brutal dictator, whose only real interest is protecting his backside, amassing more deadly weapons and preserving his power. Even U.N. resolution 1409, which permitted Iraq to swap oil for food and medical supplies, won't help the Iraqi people if Saddam continues to flaunt international law. Farrakhan said he wanted to "see what we can do to stop the possibility of war." Yet he pushes both sides close to the brink.

      Both Farrakhan and Hussein share a symbiotic relationship. Farrakhan wants to be taken seriously. But his constant anti-Semitic drumbeat leaves him only preaching to the choir. Saddam desperately wants U.N. sanctions lifted so he can generate enough cash to pursue more weapons of mass destruction. To Saddam, only a total lifting of sanctions was "the only way to end the suffering of the Iraqi people," essentially holding his nation hostage while he violates international agreements and pursues deadly weapons. Booting out U.S. weapons' inspectors in 1998, Saddam decided to sacrifice his people for the sake of defying the U.N. In Saddam's mind, dangerous weapons give him credibility. To Farrakhan, embracing a dangerous enemy gives him global stature and more clout. Together, Farrakhan and Saddam share big egos, abundant paranoia and a propensity toward self-destruction. Getting sanctions lifted involves more than playing games and making global threats.

      Farrakhan must be put on notice that continued incitement could result in expatriation. It's one thing to preach hate on American soil, it's another to induce bitter enemies to vent hate on American interests. Pursuing a "regime change' policy, the U.S. can't allow hateful preachers to influence American foreign policy. Despite world opinion, changing regimes in Iraq would undoubtedly improve U.S. influence in the region. Like Bin Laden, it doesn't get any worse than Saddam Hussein—though some believe that Iraq would fall into more radical hands. Only after the U.S. broke relations with Yasser Arafat did more moderate voices step forward. When the U.S. decides it's Saddam's time, new leaders in Iraq will step up to the plate. With Iran developing ballistic missiles and with Saddam unwilling to abandon weapons of mass destruction, it's time for a change. "There is no military plan against Iraq," said Powell, discounting rumors that war was imminent. But let there be no mistake: With Iraq still threatening neighbors and Iran on the warpath, Saddam's days are numbered.

About the Author

John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in the news. He's a consultant and expert in strategic communication. He's author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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