Iraq: Rumor Mill in Overdrive

One day word has it that 80 Iraqi military officers were executed for attempting a coup. Another day the rumor is that 76 Iraqis and Egyptians were put to death for mounting an anti-Saddam demonstration south of Baghdad. Still another day brings the story that former Iraqi Prime Minister Saadoun Hammadi and 24 high-ranking army officers were shot for a coup attempt.

Unconfirmable reports of roundups and executions, circulated by Iraqi opposition sources intent on destabilizing the regime, have reached such a pitch that it is tempting to conclude that Saddam Hussein is pressing the panic button. On the other hand, Hammadi resurfaced in the inner circle after his rumored death. As for Saddam, he continues his belligerent hate campaign. Last week he marked Army Day with a cheer for the Scud missiles that had "hit the cursed Israel" during last year's war.