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'Comical Ali' re-emerges on TV
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) --Ex-Iraqi information minister Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf re-emerged on Arab television screens claiming the U.S. released him after questioning.

The minister, dubbed 'Comical Ali' for his daily eccentric and exaggerated claims during the war in Iraq, said Thursday the battle had been a "very difficult time. Not just on one man, but on all."

With white hair and without his trademark beret and grin he appeared subdued compared to his usual combative style.

He appeared on Arabic news channel Al-Arabiya and Abu Dhabi TV. The interviews were recorded in Baghdad Thursday. Both TV stations declined to say where the interviews were conducted.

Speaking to Al-Arabiya, Al-Sahaf said he made contact with U.S. forces through friends following the end of the war. He was questioned about his job and later released.

Al-Sahaf was not on the U.S. list of 55-most wanted Iraqis -- the so-called pack of cards.

"I was not one of the Iraqi leadership. I was an information minister, doing my job till the last minute," he told Abu Dhabi TV.

"The last two days [of the regime] I was not able to get in touch [except for a] few military seniors."

When asked if he knew where the Iraqi leader is, he said: "I don't know."

The minister's daily briefings during the U.S.-led invasion of his country won him cult status and the nickname 'Comical Ali.'

He continued to insist from the roof of the Palestine Hotel in Iraq's capital that coalition forces were facing annihilation as live TV pictures showed U.S. tanks rolling around Baghdad.

He warned Baghdad will be the "graveyard" of coalition forces and that they will lose "even if they bring double American troops."

"Americans are now in disarray," he was seen on Al-Jazeera television as saying.

"They try to engage the world as much as they can and we will continue until they leave our land."

Iraq, he said, will "spread them even more and chop them up."

Asked in the TV interview whether the comments originated from ex-Iraq president Saddam Hussein, or himself, al-Sahaf said: "No, these are all from the Arab history and all will be clear on time."

Al-Sahaf delighted Western viewers with his denials. Merchandise developed around his character, such as an action-man style doll and a song featuring him. (Full Story)

Record producers recorded a dance track including some of his most popular phrases such as, "There are no American infidels in Baghdad. Never!" and on coalition troops, "God will roast their stomachs in hell at the hands of Iraqis."

He has his own spoof Web site. Its popularity around the world was so great, with 4,000 hits a second, it had to be pulled shortly after going up.

Al-Sahaf's 25-minute interview, which was taped Thursday in Baghdad, will air on Friday.

andypanda

A: Thank you, Sir, for seeing us on such short notice.
M: It is always my pleasure, I assure you.
A: So, now that the regime has fallen ...
M: ... it is sleeping only. We are waiting only for the occupation forces to pull out.
A: Umm, well, you do know your office is a pile of sand and your Beemer was hit by a JDAM and requires extensive repairs?
M: It is a small matter.
A: On to another topic, your reportedly imminent career in US television.
M: A yes, the American groupies are the best, aren't they?
A: Wall-to-wall Banger Sisters, yes sir.
M: Hoo, boy, oh, boy, it will be nice to put a little beef in a few Bourquas!
A: Well put, very tasteful, Sir. What about "Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf The Vampire Slayer"? Is that still in the works?
M: That I cannot say. My lips are sealed.
A: You know, I *knew* you were going to say that.
M: Date?
A: Not if it means I have to break wind on air, no thanks.
M: Do you mind if I do?
A: OKAY, EVERYBODY, THAT'S A WRAP!
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