[Seeking the truth]

Al-Tikriti was Saddam's personal secretary, national security adviser and senior bodyguard

This pretty much confirms that Saddam is still alive; i.e., he survived the bombings.

[Coop]

But then why wasn't Hussein captured with his bodyguard? One could make the argument either way. My hope is that al-Tikriti is carrying Hussein's severed nose in his breast pocket, thereby providing DNA proof of his demise. (Don't rain on my parade here.)