Fahd Tells Hussein to Show World He’s a Responsible Leader

King Fahd, in his strongest appeal since the beginning of the crisis in the Persian Gulf, urged Iraqi President Saddam Hussein on Tuesday to “prove to the world that you are worthy of the responsibility you are shouldering in ruling Iraq” and to withdraw from Kuwait.

In a statement released on the eve of a U.N. deadline that could plunge his nation into war, the Saudi monarch dropped all hint of negotiation and accused the Iraqi leader of plundering Kuwait and leading the Arab world to the brink of tragedy.

“Why do you try to ignore the direct cause of what has happened in the Arab arena, the division of ranks, turmoils and tragedies since your vicious aggression on an Arab, Muslim and secure country which supported your country when it faced difficulties?” he asked. “This injury you have caused will continue to bleed for years to come.”

In previous statements on the gulf crisis, the king has avoided a personal attack on Hussein, reportedly in the hope that the Iraqi leader could be induced to withdraw from Kuwait voluntarily if not publicly humiliated.

However, Tuesday night’s speech, a direct response to Hussein’s own fiery communication on Baghdad Radio, dropped nearly all hints of conciliation except to again urge Iraq to withdraw:

“I would like to say, as the holy Koran said, ‘Produce your proof, if you are truthful.’ The proof we are looking for, along with other countries of the world, is your announcement for an immediate withdrawal from Kuwait to pave the way for the return of the normal situation under the leadership of Sheik Jabbar al Ahmed al Sabah, the emir of Kuwait, and his government, and consequently withdraw your forces from the kingdom’s borders. When you do so, all things will be solved.”

He strongly rejected Iraq’s claims that the Saudis had contributed little to reconstruct the Iraqi cities of Al Faw and Basra during the Iran-Iraq War. King Fahd said his kingdom contributed $25.7 billion, including non-repayable loans.

The king also defended Saudi Arabia’s decision to invite U.S. and other foreign forces to help the kingdom and to liberate Kuwait. “Realizing my responsibility toward the defense of my country, I have taken the right decision at the suitable time.

“But who has authorized you to involve the Iraqi army and people in a bloody and fruitless war with Iran? Who authorized you to give up all the gains you had fought for in a few moments? Who authorized you to occupy Kuwait and kill its sons, rape its women, loot its property and destroy its landmarks? No doubt Satan and your covetousness have urged you to do so at the expense of the Arab gulf countries which were proud of the Iraqi army.”