Washington, D.C.— "Capturing Saddam Hussein is the most wonderful Christmas present for the whole world. The fear within the Iraqi people that he would somehow return to power is now totally gone.

 "A huge barrier of fear in Iraq was broken the instant that Saddam was taken into custody. The specter of Saddam leading the insurgents gave false hope to the opposition. This great news changes the dynamics of the conflict within Iraq (and here in the United States). 

 "Those who would attack US troops now know beyond doubt that they will never murder their way back into power. The Iraqi people are free to bring intelligence information to US forces. 

 "We, in this country, now know that our intelligence operations in Iraq have turned the corner.  This wonderful Christmas present brings with it thousand of tips that will result in fewer attacks and it brings us one huge step closer to victory in our world wide war against terror.

 "The violence in Iraq is not over.  The world wide war on terror is far from over but the entire world can celebrate with the Iraqi people this Christmas season."

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