CBS News Reporter Dan Rather Interviews Saddam Hussein

Rare Interview with the Iraqi Leader

Before the US Invasion of Iraq

In a rare interview with Iraqi President Saddam Hussein before the US invasion of Iraq, CBS News reporter Dan Rather traveled to Baghdad and sat down with the embittered leader. The interview, which aired as part of 60 Minutes II, was Hussein's first with an American journalist in more than a decade.

During the interview, Hussein discussed a range of topics, including the upcoming invasion, his relationship with the United States, and his hopes for the future of Iraq. He also defended his decision to not allow United Nations weapons inspectors into the country, arguing that they were part of an American plot to overthrow his government.

The interview was controversial at the time, with some critics accusing Rather of being too soft on Hussein. However, it remains an important document of the period leading up to the war in Iraq and provides a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the most enigmatic leaders of the 20th century.