Informed Russian sources told Stratfor on Nov. 7 that Russian intelligence services are working in tandem with pro-Russian Iraqi generals to oust Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, hoping to stave off a U.S. war. Moscow seeks to stage a coup before the end of November, in time to prevent a U.S. attack.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly does not aim to hijack a U.S. victory over Iraq, but rather fears that a war would have serious economic consequences for his country and would hurt its international standing. Sources say Putin likely has discussed the matter with U.S. President George W. Bush.
However, two problems would arise with a pre-emptive coup attempt.
First, the only Iraqi leaders powerful enough to oust Hussein are his own relatives - though not his sons - as these are the only generals trusted to come near the Iraqi leader. Bush likely would not agree to a new regime that keeps any Hussein family members in power; if the United States proceeds with its war effort, Russia's attempts to hatch a coup will have been for naught.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly does not aim to hijack a U.S. victory over Iraq, but rather fears that a war would have serious economic consequences for his country and would hurt its international standing. Sources say Putin likely has discussed the matter with U.S. President George W. Bush.
However, two problems would arise with a pre-emptive coup attempt.
First, the only Iraqi leaders powerful enough to oust Hussein are his own relatives - though not his sons - as these are the only generals trusted to come near the Iraqi leader. Bush likely would not agree to a new regime that keeps any Hussein family members in power; if the United States proceeds with its war effort, Russia's attempts to hatch a coup will have been for naught.