Looters target symbols of regime

LOOTERS in Baghdad set their sights yesterday on the symbols of Saddam Hussein’s dying regime, swarming a palace overlooking the Tigris River to nab bone china with the Iraqi eagle insignia, fancy wash basins and bath tubs — even fish from the garden pond.

Elsewhere in the city, however, the convulsions of anarchy appeared to be petering out. People felt secure enough to leave their homes and drive around, causing the late morning traffic jams usually so common in the capital. Buses started running in the centre of town.

Storming the Al-Salam Presidential Palace on the river's western bank, the looters marvelled bitterly at Saddam's life of luxury as they passed shards of crystal from chandeliers and shattered mirrors.