Reports: U.S. Won't Arrest Iraqi Information Minister
'Baghdad Bob' Reportedly Staying With Relatives
POSTED: 2:57 p.m. EDT May 2, 2003
Various media outlets are saying that U.S. forces in Baghdad won't detain ex-Iraqi Information Minister Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf even though they know where he is.
However, the colorful ex-Iraqi spokesman apparently is wanted by someone: He has a job offer to appear on television.
The BBC, ABC and NBC's "Today" show have said in recent days that Sahaf hasn't drawn the interest of U.S. forces because he isn't on their deck of cards of 55 wanted officials.
The BBC reported on April 30 that a London-based Arabic newspaper said the Americans have refused to arrest Sahaf even though they have him under surveillance.
An Iraqi Kurdish official told the newspaper that Sahaf was staying at his aunt's house in Baghdad, and he was still trying to negotiate his arrest.
And Reuters has reported that the Dubai-based al-Arabiya satellite channel wants Sahaf as a commentator and analyst.
Sahaf became a Western favorite during the war because of his exaggerated statements about the situation in his country.
Even U.S. president George W. Bush told NBC News recently that that, "He's my man, he was great." Bush also told Tom Brokaw that, "Somebody accused us of hiring him and putting him there. He was a classic."
Among the nicknames bestowed on Sahaf were "Baghdad Bob," and "Comical Ali." He also quickly became a cult hit in the West, complete with tribute Web sites and a taking action figure spouting some of his most publicized quotes.
However, the colorful ex-Iraqi spokesman apparently is wanted by someone: He has a job offer to appear on television.
The BBC, ABC and NBC's "Today" show have said in recent days that Sahaf hasn't drawn the interest of U.S. forces because he isn't on their deck of cards of 55 wanted officials.
The BBC reported on April 30 that a London-based Arabic newspaper said the Americans have refused to arrest Sahaf even though they have him under surveillance.
An Iraqi Kurdish official told the newspaper that Sahaf was staying at his aunt's house in Baghdad, and he was still trying to negotiate his arrest.
And Reuters has reported that the Dubai-based al-Arabiya satellite channel wants Sahaf as a commentator and analyst.
Sahaf became a Western favorite during the war because of his exaggerated statements about the situation in his country.
Even U.S. president George W. Bush told NBC News recently that that, "He's my man, he was great." Bush also told Tom Brokaw that, "Somebody accused us of hiring him and putting him there. He was a classic."
Among the nicknames bestowed on Sahaf were "Baghdad Bob," and "Comical Ali." He also quickly became a cult hit in the West, complete with tribute Web sites and a taking action figure spouting some of his most publicized quotes.Copyright 2003 by Lifewhile.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
