Saddam 'novel' to be dramatised

Saddam Hussein is the suggested author of the book

A novel believed to have been written by Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is set to become a 20-part television series.

Zabibah and the King, a romantic allegorical novel purportedly written by the Iraqi leader, is the story of a king who falls in love with a poor, married woman.

The novel was published anonymously last year, but references within the novel have sparked rumours about the identity of the author, with either Saddam Hussein or his son Uday being chief suspects.

Speaking to Iraqi newspaper al-Thawra, Mizahim al-Baiati, would-be script supervisor, said: "It will be a series of 20 parts produced by the Iraqi satellite channel and the production process is on its way."

Al-Baiati was optimistic about the success of the forthcoming TV series, with the "powerful meanings and thoughts indicated in the novel."

Publicity

When the novel was initially released in Iraq, the preceding storm of publicity was quite unusual. Iraqi television, radio and newspapers all carried daily advertisements.

In the novel, the king is beloved by the people, embodied in his love for Zabibah. The other kings become jealous and they plot against him.

The sentence in the novel: "They brought shame to the Arab uniform they wear," has been interpreted as criticism of the leaders of neighbouring countries.

Zabibah is killed on 17 January. This is the anniversary of the start of the 1991 Gulf War. Only Saddam Hussein would have had the nerve to refer to that date, Iraqi readers believe.

Uday Hussein: Alternative author?

The New York Times recently questioned whether or not the Iraqi president was really the author of Zabibah and the King. Two Arab newspapers appear to think so.

The CIA, although unconvinced that the president is the writer, does believe that he supervised its production and contributed to the ideas and language used.

The CIA is believed to have studied the novel for insights into his political thinking.

The novel was caught in another controversy when it emerged a painting called The Awakening by Canadian artist Jonathan Earl Bowser was used as the cover illustration of the novel, breaching copyright.