[Allan]

Ping to #8.
As someone pointed out
it's not the Special Republican Guard
it is the Elite Republican Guard
Saddam's personal bodyguard
the Tikriti gang.

[Fledermaus]

it's not the Special Republican Guard it is the Elite Republican Guard

That's like going from Cub Scout to Webelos.

[Mitchell]

it is the Elite Republican Guard

They're not so elite. I wonder who picked that adjective to describe the Republican Guard? Calling them "elite" certainly resonates with the media, in spite of the lack of evidence of military prowess.