Looks like Saddam is alive since he just gave a talk (albeit via tape) on Iraqi TV about the coalition closing in on Baghdad.
It was interesting and seemingly contemporary.. But I'm still not quite convinced... I believe it may have been one of his doubles.
I still say that Saddam's personal bodyguard was not present in the video, as he normally is. He is referred to as a member of the "murafaqin" (found a link for them below):
foxnews.com
Murafaqin (Companions of Saddam)
• This is a group of Saddam's most trusted tribal kinsmen who guard Saddam at close quarters and are among the limited few who are allowed to approach him unescorted and carrying arms when he is alone.
• They are all, without exception, members of various sub-clans of Saddam's tribe, the al-Bu Nasir, and carry small arms. One of them, carrying a sidearm, normally stands behind Saddam, guarding his back, even when he is meeting trusted aides.
• The Murafaqin can be broken into three groups. The Special Location Group is responsible for Saddam's security in the various premises used by him and his family. The Salih, or Mobile Group, stays by Saddam's side. The third group, the Kulyab, consists of Saddam's domestic household, including his personal cook and butcher.
• A leading Murafaqin figure is Rokan Abd al-Ghafur Suleiman al-Majid, Saddam's personal bodyguard, who also oversees Saddam's relationship with the powerful Al-Majid clan.
Also:
nypost.com
It's just not likely that someone who is Saddam's personal bodyguard, who possesses ENORMOUS power as liaison with the Al-Majid's, would leave Saddam's side unless Saddam had either died, or been forced to relinquish power to the Defense Minister.
This seems to be more than just a matter of personal loyalty since there are all of these clan ties involved..
But who knows.. All I know is that we're in Baghdad, have them surrounded, and we're depopulating the area of Baathists (and Saddam statues.. :0)
Hawk |
