Bush Authorizes Covert Actions Against Iraqi Leader

Xinhua

     
16 June 2002

WASHINGTON-- U.S. President George W. Bush has ordered the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct a comprehensive, covet program to topple Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, the Washington Post reported Sunday.

In an intelligence order signed early this year, Bush also authorized the CIA to use lethal force to capture Saddam or even kill him if he acts in self-defense, the newspaper quoted informed sources as saying.

The order directed the CIA to use all available tools to topple the Iraqi leader, including increased support to Iraqi opposition groups and forces inside and outside Iraq, expanded efforts to collect related intelligence, and possible use of CIA and U.S. special forces teams.

One source said that the CIA covert action should be viewed largely as "preparatory" to a military strike so the agency can identify targets, intensify intelligence gathering on the ground in Iraq, and build relations with alternative future leaders and groups if Saddam is ousted.

The Bush administration, accusing Iraq of developing weapons of mass destruction, has repeatedly vowed to seek a "change of regime" in the country and threatened to use force if necessary.

The administration recently trumpeted a preemptive strike policy against what it believes to be potential terrorist threats, saying that it can take actions even without evidence.