Saddam said Lets Make A Deal: asked Bush for $1B to go into exile

It has been found Saddam Hussein offered to step down and go into exile one month before the invasion of Iraq.

Fearing defeat, Saddam was prepared to go peacefully in return for $1 Billion.

The extraordinary offer was revealed yesterday in a transcript of talks in February 2003 between George Bush and then Spanish Prime Minister Jose Aznar at the President's Texas ranch.

The White House has refused to comment.

But, if verified, it is certain to raise questions over whether the costly 4-year war could have been averted.

Only yesterday, the Bush administration asked Congress for another $200 Billion to finance the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.