IRAQ
Update 4:21PM: Time Online weighs in on the capture of Saddam Hussein. From the article, "The official said it may soon be clear how much command and control over the insurgency Saddam actually had while he was in hiding. 'We can now determine,' he said, 'if he is the mastermind of everything or not.' The official elaborated: 'Have we actually cut the head of the snake or is he just an idiot hiding in a hole?'"
The Guardian Unlimited has a link to a Real Audio recording featuring Salam Pax, a blogger from Baghdad. Pax is commenting on the news of Saddam Hussein's capture.
The BBC is reporting that coalition forces have captured Saddam Hussein, alive. From the article, "The former leader was found hiding in a cellar at a farmhouse about 10 miles (15 km) south of his hometown Tikrit. Saddam Hussein is the most wanted man on the list issued by US authorities but has not been seen since Baghdad fell to US forces in April. Video footage apparently showing a dishevelled-looking Saddam with a long black beard in custody receiving a medical check up was shown at the press conference. Saddam Hussein was found following intelligence indicating he was at one of two possible locations south of Tikrit, Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez, commander of coalition ground forces in Iraq, said. Iraqi Governing Council head Abdel-Aziz al-Hakim was quoted as saying that a DNA test had proved the man in custody was Saddam Hussein." Here's the coverage from CNN, the AP (via the Rocky Mountain News), and Denver Post. Thanks to Dave Winer for the BBC and CNN links.
Hopefully the turmoil and death in Iraq will cease with Hussein's capture. An Iraqi citizen is quoted as saying, "'This is the joy of a lifetime,' said Ali Al-Bashiri, another resident. 'I am speaking on behalf of all the people that suffered under his rule.'" We're with you, Ali.
Meanwhile local government officials are hanging out with four Baghdad City Councilmen.
7:39:13 AM 
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