] BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Major Iraqi newspapers reported the
] space shuttle Columbia tragedy on their front pages on
] Sunday, but it appeared at the bottom, overshadowed by
] one of Saddam Hussein's almost-nightly meetings with
] military commanders.
]
] Although no official Iraqi government statement was
] issued, individual Baghdad officials expressed sympathy
] for the American people, despite the tense confrontation
] between the United States and Iraq.

I'm sorry to hear that Saddam can't even release a formalized "condolences" message about the tragedy. On the other hand, I find it encouraging that at least there are *some* officials in the Iraqi regime who were able to react as human beings.

] BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Major Iraqi newspapers reported the
] space shuttle Columbia tragedy on their front pages on
] Sunday, but it appeared at the bottom, overshadowed by
] one of Saddam Hussein's almost-nightly meetings with
] military commanders.
]
] Although no official Iraqi government statement was
] issued, individual Baghdad officials expressed sympathy
] for the American people, despite the tense confrontation
] between the United States and Iraq.

This story is dramatically different from most of the coverage that I've been hearing about the position of Iraq on the Shuttle incident. Most of the press seems to be running with the story that Iraq says they are glad the shuttle went down. This story includes responses that are a lot more human. Compassion can cut through hate, but only if you get to hear it.