REACTION IN YEMEN TO SADDAM'S CAPTURE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 002920

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/15/2013
TAGS: PREL IZ YM
SUBJECT: REACTION IN YEMEN TO SADDAM'S CAPTURE

Classified By: Ambassador Edmund J. Hull, Reasons 1.5(b,d)


1. (C) Saddam's capture dominated discussion at UAE National
Day December 14 with numerous Yemenis seeking Ambassador out
to congratulate him. Saddam's surrender without a fight
surprised many. Shura Council member Mohammed Tayeb told
Ambassador in confidence that President Saleh had reacted
angrily to Saddam's surrender because Saddam allowed himself
to be taken without a fight. Saudi Ambassador Khattani noted
humiliation of Saddam's meek and degrading appearance during
medical examination. Several Yemeni's confirmed that
Saddam's image had been deflated in their eyes. Other
comments welcomed the role of Iraqi Governing council and the
Iraqi court in meting out justice to the former president.
In presenting congratulations, one Iraqi-American expressed
hope that Saddam's capture would close a long, sad chapter in
Iraqi history and allow Iraqi's to turn to rebuilding their
country.


2. (C) COMMENT: The public diplomacy of Saddam's arrest, in
our estimation, was nothing short of brilliant, and its
impact is already clear in Yemeni.
HULL