US "Administrator" in Iraq, Paul Bremer, ambushed Bremer was ambushed in Baghdad near the International Airport but escaped unharmed. The attack began with a roadside bomb then the convoy was hit with light arms fire... they quickly sped away. He did not inform the press until after they caught Saddam 2 weeks later.
Israel has men on the ground in Iraq It is revealed that Israel has been contributing intelligence, tactics and technology mostly in secret to avert an Arab backlash, according to congressional aides and analysts. Israel is reported to have sent "advisors" to American units in Iraq, and to be training American forces.
Saddam Captured American armed forces find Saddam Hussein, they claim, hiding in a hole with rats. He was protected by 2 guards, and along with him, they find US$750 000, and a few guns. (1)(2)
US bars non-supporting nations from getting contracts One day before sending James Baker to Europe to try and convince France and Germany to reduce Iraqi foreign debt, the Pentagon has barred companies from any nation opposed to the war in Iraq from bidding on "prime" contracts, although they may still bid on sub contracts. They drew up a list of 63 nations whose firms are eligible. The decision is supported by President Bush, but critized around the world for being a barrier between restoring relations between countries on opposing sides of the Iraq war, and not being in the best interest of Iraqis.
France and Germany agree to negotiate Iraqi debt relief "France, Germany and the United States agree that there should be substantial debt reduction for Iraq in the Paris Club in 2004, and will work closely with each other and with other countries to achieve this objective," the three countries said in a joint statement issued in Berlin, Paris and Washington. The Paris Club is a group of 19 industrialized countries that have jointly worked to alleviate the financial obligations of over-indebted countries since 1956. Paris Club members, including France, Germany and Russia are owed about US$40 Billion, while other countries and private creditors are estimated to be owed about US$80 Billion.
Iran owed reparations by Iraq "[Iran] deserves reparations... Whether we will pay or not is something which we need to discuss further." - The current head of the Iraqi Governing Council Abdelaziz al-Hakim. Iraq invaded Iran in 1980, which lead to an 8 year war in which 1 million people died. Iran is claiming US$100 billion in damages, but is unlikely to get much if anything.
Propaganda in Britain The British government confirmed that MI6 had a campaign called "Operation Mass Appeal" to plant stories in the media about Saddam Hussein's (apparently non-existant) weapons of mass destruction.
Iraq's US appointed Governing Council wants French and Russian firms Iraq's Governing Council has decided to let French and Russian firms compete for oil contracts despite opposition from pro-US council members. They could even honor agreements made by Saddam Hussein. "We asked Paris and Moscow to be involved in the restoration of Iraqi sovereignty and reconstruction, including oil. We do not want them to be isolated from Iraq." - Hamid al-Bayati, a senior official with the main Shi'ite Islamic group Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq
US claims Saddam admits to hiding US$40 Billion "The Governing Council is searching for US$40 billion of funds seized by Saddam when he was in power and which has been deposited in Switzerland, Japan, Germany and other countries under the names of fictitious companies." - Iyad Allawi, a member of the US-appointed Iraqi Governing Council.
