Posted on 12/14/2003 7:49:52 PM PST by ambrose
The Chief has some comments from today:
Sunday, December 14, 2003
At the News Conference
While sitting in my office typing my journal now late well past midnight, I can still hear the sound of celebratory gunfire going off through out the city, as people everywhere enjoy this historical moment. This is an episode of life shared by people round the world, as another chapter of Iraqi history comes to a close with the final demise of the evil tyrant Saddam Hussein.
Earlier today as I drove my bus over to the convention center, I noticed that the guards were unusually on edge. I had pulled the bus over to the side of the road to wait for some people to come out, when I noticed the gate guards moving in around me with their weapons pointed in my direction. For a moment they thought I was a suicide bomber until I yelled out "What’s up guys", that is when I heard the news that my suspicions were true, (the guards obviously put on alert as a result of the situation), we had caught Saddam Hussein.
As shots rang out all over the city, people could be heard cheering and yelling everywhere. We headed back to the CPA to confirm the story, hoping that it was the real thing. Once at the CPA, at the coercing of my interpreter, we decided to head over to the news conference area, hoping to take part of Paul Bremmers conference.
We snuck into the back of the packed room, full of reporters and cameras, as the crowd of people waited for the Ambassador to come out. With anticipation mounting, a man stepped forward to give us a one minute warning.
Paul Bremmer and General San Chez, with the head of the Governing Council in tow, came out to address the anxious audience. As Paul Bremmer's words, "We got him" echoed over the loud speaking system, the crowd burst into screaming, whistling and clapping, with some individuals breaking down into tears of joy. Others waving their clinched hands into the air blurted out emotional responses in Arabic.
I was almost brought to tears as I contemplated the full emotional intensity of what this moment must mean to these people. I had to hold back my emotions as the reality of this moment hit me, that we had finally been able to catch up with him. After so many stories of his whereabouts and so many pieces of information concerning the circumstances of his activities, we had done it.
After so much suffering for so long it was finally coming to an end. The era of Saddam Hussein was over. This was now going to completely dispel any rumors regarding his return to power, his super human qualities, and the myths of him being guarded by genies or evil spirits.
One thing hit me as I watched the video of his discovery, with his long and shaggy hair, his scraggly beard, and his deep wrinkled face; he was just a man, like any other human being. He wasn’t anything special. Yes, he was once a king with everything anyone could want; now found with nothing at the bottom of a hole in the ground.
Now where are his legends of supporters, his secret services and Special Republican Guards, and his evil genies? He was left alone, with even the devil finally moving on to his next candidate, leaving him totally unsupported.
The speeches were direct and to the point and the briefing complete for the moment with the basic information regarding what exactly had transpired. I was totally satisfied with his capture, knowing what an impact this was going to make on many Saddam holdouts.
This is so great. I was hoping to complete this portion of the battle while still in country, so I have fulfilled one of my missions. A huge step towards unifying this country has just been taken, a step forward into the new era of a new Iraq, closing the curtain on a dark murderous and painful period.
This is definitely going to increase Iraqi confidence in our efforts to rebuild their country, as they can finally put it all behind them. Wow, this is so big!! You will never know how big this really is.
We decided to put on a Ramen Noodle party, with some new stuff I received from home, waiting around for President’s Bush’s speech to be heard. It was short and sweet and I concur with its entirety. I am sure that time will tell, but I am very optimistic for the future for this country.
I found a full kitchen in one of the buildings where some of our guys are staying, so I am going to be back in business stirring up a few dishes on occasion. Tonight’s Korean Ramen Noodles with onions, green onions, eggs and spicy spam was just what the doctor ordered after such a long dry spell with out any seasoning and spice. It was a big hit with all the boys who quickly consumed the whole pot.
Once it got dark we drove around the city to get an idea of what the overall people’s reaction is to the latest news. Everyone that we came across was extremely excited about the events of the last 24 hours. Totally awesome and fantastic. Yes!
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