US attack will be ‘absolute stupidity’, says Saddam

President Saddam Hussein said on Thursday US President George Bush would be committing an act of ‘‘absolute stupidity’’ if he launched a war against Iraq. He said Iraq’s Army could not be dealt a knock-out blow, but would strike back determinedly ‘‘even if fighting only with rifles and grenades,’’ the Iraqi News Agency reported.

‘‘If the American administration launched a military aggression against Iraq, it will be committing an act of absolute stupidity,’’ the agency quoted him as telling a Cabinet meeting. ‘‘It would show that it lacks a wise vision.’’

He said Iraq would defend itself whether the US attacks on its own or with the UN. ‘‘We will fight its forces like we fought them in 1991 whether they come alone or under an international cover,’’ he said. ‘‘Iraq is not an Army they can hit and finish. It is an Army and a people who are ready and have the will and determination to fight under a national and capable leadership, even if fighting only with rifles and grenades,’’ Saddam said.