This paper investigates some non-cognitive constraints specific to interpreting for political leaders. The paper looks into an interpreting assignment which took place during the Gulf War. The interpreting took place during a televised interview with Saddam Hussein, which was broadcast by the British television channel ITN on 11th November 1990, about three months after the invasion of Kuwait. The paper explores some of the possible effects of the constraints on interpreter performance and choice of strategies in sensitive political contexts, using the interview with Hussein as a case study. Moreover, some of the causes of psychological stress which go beyond physical and mental fatigue or overload are investigated, as herein lies the motivation for literal translation.