Demonstrators pass through a security checkpoint before a rally at Firdos square in Baghdad November 21, 2008. Followers of Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr marched on Friday against a pact letting U.S. forces stay in Iraq until 2011, and toppled an effigy of President George W. Bush where U.S. troops once tore down a statue of Saddam Hussein. (UPI Photo/Ali Jasim)
Saddam Hussein is the subject or is mentioned in the following stories:
Killing of al-Qaida Smuggler in Syria was Joint Syrian, U.S. Effort
In spite of much angry public protest in Damascus, last months killing of top al-Qaida operative Abu Ghadiya, was in fact a joint operation between U.S. Special Forces in Iraq and Syrian intelligence, according to former and serving U.S. intelligence officials.
Iraq-U.S. Security Pact Goes to Parliament
AMMAN -- The Iraqi parliament convened on Monday to read a controversial security pact with the United States and debate how to vote on the accord, after the Iraqi cabinet approved the final draft following months of what both sides said were tough negotiations.
Rahm Emanuel: Truth and Falsehoods
Many people in the Arab world wasted little time before criticizing President-elect Barack Obama for choosing Rahm Emanuel as his chief of staff. Before those who find fault with the president-elects new appointment, let me offer the following advice: take a deep breath and give the next American president and his team the benefit of the doubt.
New Day for Ground Zero in Iraq's Sectarian Strife
SAMARRA, Iraq -- From all points of the compass in this ancient city by the Tigris a rough and uncompleted symbol of progress and hope can be seen rising from the rubble of war to dominate the skyline.
A Promising U.S. Policy Toward Iran
AMMAN -- The George W. Bush administration will establish the first official U.S. diplomatic presence in Tehran before it leaves office, according to reports published last week.
Internationalizing Ashraf
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini of Iran in 1988 issued a fatwa ordering the execution of members and supporters of a leading opposition force, the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran, the PMOI. Thousands were executed without trials or sentences while in jail because of politically motivated charges.
Balad Returns From the Abyss
BALAD, Iraq -- Look at a map of Iraq in these waning days of 2008 and it is not difficult to find cities, towns and villages that have in varying degrees moved beyond the all-encompassing sectarian and terrorist violence of recent years.
Former Al-Qaida Emir in Crosshairs
AD-DULUYIAH, Iraq -- Najim Mahmoud Khalil al-Jabouri, a charismatic preacher in this town north of Balad, is a marked man. His body bears the scars of at least seven assassination attempts and it is likely he will end up with more.
A Breakthrough in Syrian-Lebanese Relations
PARIS -- The establishment of diplomatic relations earlier this month between Syria and Lebanon is a symbolic act of considerable importance. It is the first time these neighbors have established such relations since they wrested their independence from France in the 1940s.
Syria Recognizes Lebanon's Sovereignty After 60 Years
MOSCOW -- Syria and Lebanon established diplomatic relations on Oct. 15, some 60 years after gaining independence from France in the mid-1940s. Why have they waited so long?
