Akbar Hashemi’s Memoirs – February 7, 2003

George Bush and Tony Blair threatened that the time for Saddam's games has come to an end, and if he continues his lack of serious cooperation with weapons inspectors until the last moments, a military attack is certain. Contrary to expectations, the Turkish Parliament approved with a decisive majority of about 400 votes that Turkey's ports and military bases be reconstructed for the use of American forces in the war against Iraq.

Full Diary Text:

George Bush [President of the United States] and Tony Blair [Prime Minister of the United Kingdom] threatened that the time for Saddam [Hussein, President of Iraq]'s games has come to an end, and if he continues his lack of serious cooperation with [UN weapons] inspectors until the last moments, a military attack is certain. 65 percent of the British people agree with a military strike. [Kofi Annan], the UN Secretary-General, stated that there are signs Iraq has decided to cooperate more seriously with the inspectors. [Mohammed al-Douri], Iraq’s representative to the [UN] Security Council, said they would soon provide a precise response to the incorrect statements of [Colin] Powell [U.S. Secretary of State], and audaciously claimed that the chemical bombing of Halabja was carried out by Iraq’s opponent in the war [meaning Iran]!

Contrary to expectations, the Turkish Parliament approved with a decisive majority of about 400 votes that Turkey's ports and military bases be reconstructed for the use of American forces in the war against Iraq. Turkish government leaders stated that Turkey has no other choice, and the Parliament is scheduled to discuss the participation of the Turkish military in the war next week.

North Korea courageously announced that it has restarted one of its heavy-water power plants, which had been shut down following an agreement with the United States, and issued an order that in the event of war, the North Korean army should deliver the first strike upon American soil. At the same time, the government and people of South Korea, who oppose a war between the two Koreas, have expanded their contacts with North Korea and sent the first delegation of 100 people to North Korea via the land route that was recently opened.

I led the Friday prayers at the University. I delivered one sermon on the achievements of the Revolution and another on other current issues, including American adventurism.

I spent the time until night studying at home. The United States announced that three CIA [Central Intelligence Agency] agents were killed in an explosion in Afghanistan.

Lebanese and Iraqi pilgrims held a passionate demonstration in Masjid al-Haram with chants of "Allahu Akbar" and "Death to America," and many other pilgrims joined them.