PA’s Arafat is “Saddened”
by Capture of Saddam

NEW YORK- The Zionist Organization of America has expressed strong praise for the U.S. forces in Iraq that captured Saddam Hussein, and for the Bush administration’s resolve in bringing this international war criminal to justice. Sadly, many Arab leaders, including some who have been portrayed as “moderate,” have refused to endorse the U.S. action against Saddam.

A senior aide to Palestinian Authority chairman Yasir Arafat said that Arafat was “saddened” by the capture of Saddam. (Jerusalem Post, Dec.15,2003)

An editorial in the government-controlled Jordan Times asserted (Dec.15, 2003): “The U.S. …cannot afford to be intoxicated by the victory that the arrest of Saddam represents. The Americans erred greatly in entering Iraq without having a clear plan of action.”

The Syrian Government News Agency reported that the Syrian Information Minister, giving the official Syrian government response to the capture of Saddam, “said Sunday that Syria’s opinion regarding Iraq wouldn’t be expressed through individuals.”

ZOA National President Morton A. Klein said: “The Bush administration deserves to be praised for its determination to bring Saddam Hussein to justice, and we salute the brave soldiers who risked their lives to capture Saddam, just as they risk their lives every day for the sake of freedom and the war against terror. The fact that Syria, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority refuse to join the Free World in rejoicing at Saddam’s capture shows their true colors. Although other terrorist leaders such as Osama Bin Laden, Yasir Arafat, and Hamas chief Sheikh Yassin remain at large, the capture of Saddam represents a significant step in the fight against the Islamic terror network.”