Meaning: The quote "They're not even within 100 miles of Baghdad. They are not in any place. They hold no place in Iraq. This is an illusion... they are trying to sell to the others an illusion." is a statement made by Mohammed al-Sahaf, who was the Information Minister of Iraq during the 2003 invasion of Iraq by the United States and its allies. Al-Sahaf became known for his fervent and often bombastic denials of the reality on the ground, even as coalition forces advanced into Iraq and the regime of Saddam Hussein collapsed.

During the invasion, Al-Sahaf became a fixture in international media as he held press conferences and gave interviews, vehemently denying the presence of coalition forces in Iraq and insisting that the Iraqi military was successfully repelling the invasion. His statements were often delivered with great confidence and dramatic flair, despite being at odds with the facts on the ground.

The quote encapsulates Al-Sahaf's approach to information dissemination during the conflict. His declarations were meant to project an image of strength and control, even as the situation in Iraq rapidly deteriorated for the regime. The use of the word "illusion" underscores the disconnect between Al-Sahaf's rhetoric and the actual events taking place, highlighting the regime's attempt to maintain a facade of power in the face of overwhelming military opposition.

Al-Sahaf's statements, including the quoted one, have since become emblematic of the concept of "propaganda" and the manipulation of information for political purposes. His colorful and defiant proclamations, often in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary, have been widely studied and dissected as examples of the way authoritarian regimes seek to control the narrative and shape public perception, even in the midst of a military crisis.

The quote has been widely referenced and parodied in popular culture, often as a symbol of the absurdity and delusion of authoritarian propaganda. It serves as a reminder of the power of words and rhetoric in shaping public perception, even when those words are divorced from reality.

In conclusion, Mohammed al-Sahaf's quote "They're not even within 100 miles of Baghdad. They are not in any place. They hold no place in Iraq. This is an illusion... they are trying to sell to the others an illusion." reflects the regime's desperate attempts to maintain a facade of control and strength in the face of a military invasion. It has become a lasting symbol of the manipulation of information for political purposes and the disconnect between rhetoric and reality in times of conflict.