The White House urged Iraqi military commanders Monday to defy Saddam Hussein if he orders biological or chemical attacks on U.S. forces. President Bush planned to issue a similar warning in a Monday night speech designed to lay out his case against Saddam.
"The message to Iraqi commanders is, 'Think before you act'!" White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said. "You do not have to obey the orders Saddam Hussein gives you and the United States takes very seriously the criminal nature of these acts, particularly acts that would involve the use of chemical and biological weapons."
Earlier in the day, the Daily Telegraph reported that members of Saddam's inner circle are defecting to the opposition or making discreet offers of peace in the hope of being spared retribution if the Iraqi leader is toppled.
Eyad al-Awi, head of the opposition Iraqi National Accord, said his group in recent weeks had received top defectors from the Iraqi security services. (Albawaba.com)
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