‘How Could it Be Bombed?’: Loved by All, Muhammad Ali Helped Maintain Peace Between USA & Iraq by Negotiating Release of 15 Hostages

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali is widely regarded as the greatest fighter of all time. He was known for his quick jabs and fast footwork. However, along with being an exceptional boxer, he was also someone who dedicated his life to the welfare of society. His popularity even earned him the moniker ‘The People’s Champion’. 

Back in the day, Muhammad Ali once visited Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. The boxing champion was there on behalf of a number of American peace groups who arrived in the Iraqi capital. The two sat together for around 50 minutes, and Ali stated that he felt the president was “a man of conviction.” 

It was revealed after the meeting that Hussein would allow Americans who were detained in Iraq to go back to their country. Ali also iterated that he told the Iraqi president that a release would be “good for maintaining peace in the area and good for the image of Iraq in the United States.″

While talking to Ali, the President even spoke about the beauty and culture of the place. He said, “This is the land of the Garden of Eden and the land where Abraham was born. How could it be bombed?″

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‘The Greatest’ was 48 at the time and was suffering from Parkinson’s disease. He had Jaber Mohammed with him, who could translate what Ali was saying through hand signals. The former champ left this world on June 3rd, 2016. But 6 years later, his daughter opened up about her father’s health. 

Muhammad Ali’s daughter opens up about her father’s ailing condition 

Parkinson’s disease is a condition of the neurological system that results in abnormal movement. As the condition progresses, people develop behavioral and mental changes, memory problems, and fatigue. Maryum Ali, the boxer’s oldest child, participated in ‘In Focus’ during Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

While talking about her father’s condition, she stated, “I was so little [during the fight]. I remember seeing a difference in his speech when he fought Leon Spinks the second time actually.” 

She further added, “A lot wasn’t known about Parkinson’s back then, as it is now. We have great research now. People know what it is. Great therapies. But back then he was kind of lost and was told he had Parkinson’s syndrome and then it wouldn’t progress… but it did.”  

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In the interim, what do you think of Ali’s meeting with Saddam Hussein? Let us know in the comments below.