U.S. believes key Saddam deputy alive, in charge of some troops

AP via SFGate.com ^ | 03/22/2003 | John J. Lumpkin

[GeneD]

U.S. intelligence indicates at least one of Saddam Hussein's top deputies is alive and is commanding some of Iraq's military efforts.

But senior Bush administration officials said Saturday there was no intelligence that would conclusively determine whether Saddam or his sons, Qusai and Odai, were alive, dead or wounded.

[Free the USA]

http://www.freerepublic.com/perl/bump-list

[Boundless]

> They need to do something which has some dated reference.

For sure. These tired re-runs aren't very convincing.

If anyone sees anything more definitive, by all means post.

So far, the evidence supports:
* Saddam status unknown (e.g. dead, trapped in bunker) or
known-but-useless (comatose, psychotic).
* Top henchpersons staying on script just in case (since
several of them are on the top-50 list and they can't
safely defect).

[Theresa]

I think that the fact that we have not heard from Tariq Aziz speaks volumes. He is the out front guy. I have a very positive feeling he IS dead.

[texxie]

I've wondered where he is too

[agincourt1415]

The NEXT phase is focused on the Iraqi Republican Guard, We will destroy them (at least one Division) then the others will surrender if they know whats good for them.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

I think that the fact that we have not heard from Tariq Aziz speaks volumes. He is the out front guy. I have a very positive feeling he IS dead.

Tariq Aziz's last words:
"Is that a Tomahawk Mis.........."

[Theresa]

Ha ha! That's a hoot.

I really am curious about that guy and where he is. Imagine how many of our diplomats and movers and shakers from this and previous administrations have met him and had talks with him. It's kind of, I don't know, wierd, to think that one day he would be killed by a missle of ours in a war. I do think that is exactly what happened. Fate is a strange thing.

[Theresa]

"The NEXT phase is focused on the Iraqi Republican Guard, "

Right. I hope we pulverize them.

[From The Deer Stand]

So that's where those eyeglasses came from.....

[E. Pluribus Unum]

It's kind of, I don't know, wierd, to think that one day he would be killed by a missle of ours in a war.

The whole idea of war by remote control is disorienting.

Who would have ever imagined that Saddam would be nailed that way, ending the war before it even began?