Saddam Urges Iraqis to Swim. Whats Up With That?
— March 7, 2003 By Phillip Whitten PHOENIX, March 7. NOW we know why Saddam Hussein has been so reluctant to go into exile in Saudi Arabia, the Sudan, Mauritania, or some other Middle Eastern or North African garden spot: not enough pools! Apparently, the Iraqi dictator is sold on swimming to build strength and stamina. According to a story in today’s Sydney Morning Herald, the Butcher of Baghdad has been urging his soldiers to swim at least two to three hours a day. A recent television news story pictured Saddam, himself, swimming in the Euphrates, surrounded, of course, by squads of his ubiquitous bodyguards. Saddam favors the Mao-stroke: head out of water (right down to the mustache). I’ve seen the same stroke at the local Y and JCC. It’s favored by older women who want a vigorous workout while keeping their hair dry and not messing their “do.” All Saddam needs to complete the picture is don a shower cap. Then he’ll be ready to rumble! Speaking of Mao, why is it that so many dictat
