Going inside Iraq's psyche is nearly incomprehensible to Western democracies. Feeding his population a daily diet of propaganda, the Iraqi people always expect war with the United States or some other enemy. Maintaining their panic is essential to total control. And, like other hostages, they welcome verification of this perverted reality to which they're endlessly exposed. As crazy as it seems, Iraq's population welcomes a war as proof of their government's authenticity.
War serves as a convincing excuse for their widespread sacrifices and poverty.
Secretary General Kofi Annan faces Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister Tarik Aziz, he's likely to face a continuation of the same brainwashing. Without it, Aziz wouldn't be around to exchange diplomatic smoke. In Saddam's world, he's the victim. Delivering this ultimatum, many Western countries have to see Saddam Hussein as mad if he doesn't finally acquiesce. But, in fact, inside the totalitarian mind, an attack by the U.S. or its allies is the very medicine which assures his grip on his people.