Trevor McDonald revisits his iconic interview with Saddam Hussein
In a significant update, Trevor McDonald, now 86 years old, is set to re-examine his landmark 1990 interview with Saddam Hussein in a new ITV series titled ‘Reporting History’. The episode, which focuses on this pivotal moment in journalism, will be available on ITVX and YouTube.
The original interview took place in a palace in Baghdad shortly after Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. At the time, McDonald posed a challenging question to Hussein, asking, “Mr President, the invasion of a neighbouring country with such calculated force and brutality is a very un-Arab thing to do, isn’t it?” This moment has since become a notable part of media history.
Reflecting on the interview, McDonald expressed regret over his opening question, stating, “I still cringe when I listen to it. If I had to do this again, I’d find other words.” He described Hussein as a “much smoother operator” than he had anticipated, noting that there was a flicker of a smile from the dictator, a reaction McDonald never expected.
Hussein, who was known for his oppressive regime and mass killings, remained in power until a US-led invasion in 2003, which ultimately led to his execution in 2006 at the age of 69. McDonald’s reflections come at a time when Iraq continues to grapple with deep divisions, a situation he expressed sadness over.
In the new series, McDonald aims to provide viewers with a deeper understanding of the historical context surrounding his interview and the implications it had on international relations. He remarked on the unpredictability of Hussein, stating, “Unpredictability was the game.”
The Gulf War, which occurred in 1991 following the interview, further complicated the geopolitical landscape of the region, and McDonald’s insights are expected to shed light on the lasting effects of these events.
As the series unfolds, observers will be keen to see how McDonald’s reflections resonate with contemporary issues in Iraq and the broader Middle East.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact release date of the episode, but anticipation is building among viewers eager to revisit this critical moment in history.