Stephen F. Hayes, staff writer

In several briefings in Iraq over the past week, coalition military and civilian officials repeatedly expressed concern at the rumor culture that prevails to this day in the country. Most Iraqis are grateful that the coalition removed the regime, they say, with military officials working closely with Iraqis throughout the country estimating that between 80 percent and 90 percent of the population is supportive of U.S. efforts there.

But suspicion of American motives remains. This was apparent when deputy Defense secretary Paul Wolfowitz met with the city council in Najaf on Saturday. After Wolfowitz listened to several expressions of gratitude and a list of concerns from Iraqis serving on the newly formed council, he invited questions. One member of the city council spoke up, asking Wolfowitz "two questions that keep coming to me from people on the streets of Najaf:"

My first question. The elections in America are upon us very soon. Do you think that it is possible for the decision to withdraw troops from Iraq could be taken if a new president is elected? And second, is the question of apprehending or arresting the deposed

"This is a sophisticated man," said Wolfowitz, while talking to reporters after the meeting, "but they've been beaten and battered for over 35 years and it takes a while to earn their trust."

At a lunch in Baghdad on Sunday, CENTCOM commander Gen. John Abizaid spoke about the importance of finding Saddam. "It's very high up on the list of priorities. [Lt. Gen. Rick Sanchez] and I have talked about it, the deputy and the secretary and I have talked about it. It's important to get Saddam. It's important to know either he's alive or dead. And if he's alive it's important to figure out how to go capture or kill him."

The matter might seem simple and the answer obvious. But this has not always been the coalition line. As the regime in Baghdad was falling, military officials took a position similar to the one taken with Osama bin Laden: the effort to eliminate the threat is bigger than one man. On April 8, 2nd Brigade Commander Col. David Perkins said, "We hold the city and all major instruments of power. The regime is no longer in power. Wherever Saddam Hussein is right now doesn't matter. He's irrelevant."

Coming as it did in the euphoric days of military triumph, that comment is understandable. But Saddam will never be irrelevant. It took the coalition almost two months to offer a public bounty on the dictator (for $25 million) and his sons ($15 million each). In interviews in recent days, administration officials have admitted that their failure to emphasize the capture of Saddam and his sons was a mistake.