Kuwait City
AS BOMBS EXPLODED throughout Iraq and allied forces began making their way across the Kuwait border, Iraqis who tuned into their nation’s government-run satellite television channel were treated to a celebration of Saddam. One analysis said 70 percent of the programming Thursday was devoted to Saddam-worship. Movies recalled his bravery. Military officers praised his wisdom. Saddam himself–or perhaps one of his doubles–addressed the viewers.
His short talk was interrupted at least once when the picture abruptly switched from Saddam, dressed in his military uniform and sporting huge Jackie-O spectacles, to the color bars that used to appear when stations went off the air. Saddam quickly reappeared. Similar interruptions, presumably allied efforts to disrupt the regime’s communications apparatus, took place throughout the course of the day on both television and radio.
