The Long View

National Review, May 5, 2003 by Rob Long

Transcript from CNN's NewsNight with Aaron Brown, April 29, 2004:

aaron brown: "And now with some analysis of the current American policy towards North Korea, we go to CNN adviser and retired totalitarian dictator Saddam Hussein. Sir, from your perspective, as someone who has been there, what's Kim Jong Il doing wrong?"

saddam hussein: "Well, Aaron, it would be easier, I think, to tell you what he's doing right!"

aaron brown: "Ha ha ha . . ."

saddam hussein: "No, but seriously, Aaron, the key here is something called the 'Fear Factor,' which is so important when it comes to protracted diplomatic struggles like this one. As the conflict develops -- something we call 'ripening the theater' -- I think Kim is eventually going to regret not having deployed his assets properly in places like the U.N. I mean, that's what my gut is telling me."

aaron brown: "And what about his use of France. Any thoughts?"

saddam hussein: "Ultimately, Aaron, I don't think France is going to be of much consequence in this phase of the operation. In my experience, as a professional -- well, former, retired -- brutal dictator and mass murderer, one of the things that become important as the conflict moves from the diplomatic salons to the battlefield is to make sure enough people are dead already. That's the ever-important shaping of the conflict that we've been talking about for months now. Frankly, I'm surprised at Kim -- whom I know well and respect immensely -- but I'm surprised that he's forgotten that lesson."

aaron brown: "Were you part of his planning process? I mean, did he call you for advice?"

saddam hussein: "No, he did not. But if he had, I think I would have said what I'm saying now: Kill as many of your own people as you can, maintain a climate of fear, imprison as many children as the bureaucrats will let you -- you know, just basic Clinging to Power 101."

aaron brown: "And in your opinion, he's not doing that?"

saddam hussein: "I see no evidence of it from the intel I'm getting from your guys in the field, or from my own sources."

aaron brown: "Interesting perspective, sir."

saddam hussein: "You know, they say that all great old psychopaths are closet historians, and it reminds me of something that great old man, Hitler, once said. He said, 'In the end, you regret that you were so kind.' I think that sort of says it all."

aaron brown: "Thank you very much, sir. I know you'll be with us throughout the conflict. And now for another perspective, we turn to our embedded correspondent in Pyongyang, Wolf Blitzer. Wolf, what's the story there?"

wolf blitzer: "Well, Aaron, the mood here in North Korea is upbeat. This is a proud country with a long tradition of fighting off invasions."

aaron brown: "Did you hear the comments from CNN's Saddam Hussein?"

wolf blitzer: "Yes, I did, Aaron, and I must tell you that I watched them with a very senior member of the government here, and I'll tell you that over here, they do not find Saddam Hussein's comments helpful in the least. The response here was one of barely concealed anger. There's a sense from some members of Kim Jong Il's senior leadership that Saddam Hussein has really, in a sense, betrayed the brotherhood and crossed the line. He's emboldened the coalition and I must tell you that the Dear Leader is not a Happy Leader tonight."

aaron brown: "Is there a feeling over there that Kim Jong Il is actually questioning Saddam Hussein's loyalty to the cause of international terrorism?"

wolf blitzer: "I wouldn't go that far, Aaron, no. But there is a strong sense that comments and criticism from armchair totalitarians are simply not helpful at this point, and may, in fact, be the result of a certain amount of professional jealousy. I was reminded tonight by a highly-placed member of the Dear Leader's elite Pornographic Film Production Corps that Kim is still here, in power, while Saddam isn't."

aaron brown: "But overall, the mood is . . . ?"

wolf blitzer: "Upbeat, Aaron. People here love their Dear Leader. Just today I saw a spontaneous demonstration at the Kim Il Sung Outdoor Amphitheater that really impressed the heck out of me. I mean, for 50,000 people to march in unison and perform a three-hour Korean opera depicting the heavenly origins of the Dear Leader just totally spontaneously, well, that is impressive. Contrast it, as some have, with the choreographed set-pieces of the upcoming Republican party convention, and I think you'll get some idea of the differences and strengths of this proud little country. Aaron?"

aaron brown: "Thanks so much, Wolf. We'll be returning to you later in the broadcast. And now, let's go to the map with retired dictators and CNN analysts 'Baby Doc' Duvalier and Idi Amin. Guys, what's your take here?"