N.B.: The following story reports that Tariq Aziz is still at large; in fact, he surrendered, evidently around the time the story was written.
30) The Baghdad deal
Asia Times
by Pepe Escobar
"After the spirited resistance in the south of Iraq, how could
Baghdad possibly have fallen in only two days? An Asia Times Online
investigation in Baghdad, Tikrit and Najaf has yielded a clear
certainty among Iraqis, both Sunni and Shi'ite, as to the answer: The
Pentagon and the Ba'ath Party leadership made a safqua ('secret deal'
in Arabic) for the (almost) bloodless fall of Baghdad. Crucially,
this safqua may have included a package of American green cards for
top Republican and Special Republican Guard commanders and their
families." (04/25/03)
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/ED25Ak04.html
40) New Fox reality show to determine ruler of Iraq
The Onion
by staff
"Fox executives Monday unveiled their latest reality-TV venture,
Appointed By America, a new series in which contestants vie for the
top spot in Iraq's post-war government. ... Describing the new show
as 'American Idol meets the reconstruction of Afghanistan,' Darnell
said Appointed By America will feature contestants squaring off in a
variety of challenges, including a democracy quiz, a talent
competition, and nation-building activities that will demonstrate
their ability to lead a bombed-out, war-ravaged Mideast country."
[satire] (04/23/03)
http://www.theonion.com/onion3915/new_fox_reality_show.html
Politicians in action
Mike Rucker, running for county commissioner in Tallahassee, Florida,
apologized for urinating in a voter�s yard in October, attributing it to a
prostate problem and not anger that the voter had moments earlier refused to
post Rucker�s campaign sign.