Cigars, hair dye for Saddam's final days

[almaty 19]

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The U.S. military bought Cuban cigars and hair dye for deposed Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein while he was held before his execution because they were "mission essential," a military investigation heard Tuesday.

The investigation of Lieutenant-Colonel William Steele, the former commander of the detention center where Saddam and his top aides were held, also heard that clothing and dry-cleaning were provided to detainees before court appearances after one detainee had appeared in court in his pajamas.

The deposed dictator was executed for crimes against humanity on December 30.

The evidence came to light during investigations into whether Steele failed to fulfil his obligations as a Field Ordering Officer, or "FOO," who can authorize the purchase of goods not available within the military.

Steven Mickelberg, a special agent with a military procurement fraud unit, said he had asked Steele about expenses at Camp Cropper, the detention facility near Baghdad's international airport, that had been used to buy Cuban cigars.

"He said they were for high-value detainee number one, which he indicated was Saddam Hussein, and that this purchase was authorized and that whatever he wanted, he got," Michelberg told the hearing by telephone from the United States.

Captain Phillip Reiman, whose job was to make sure all

"FOO" money at the camp was spent properly, confirmed that cigars were bought because they were considered "mission essential."

Steele's direct boss at the time, Major-General John Gardner, said televisions, radios and DVDs had also been given to some of those held in Camp Cropper's "Compound Five," where the most important detainees were kept.

Gardner rejected suggestions that Saddam handed out cigars to visitors but said the former president may have given some to lawyers or to an officer assigned to monitor his well-being.

"He didn't have visitors, so to speak," Gardner said. "He had a couple of lawyer visits."

Steele is being investigated on nine charges, including aiding the enemy by providing an unmonitored cellular phone to detainees and wrongfully fraternizing with the daughter of a detainee.

The investigation was adjourned later Tuesday, with the chief investigating officer to decide whether or not Steele should face a court-martial.

[Ban Hammer 13,345]

oh brother

[almaty 19]

i like a cuban cigar...

[Ban Hammer 13,345]

i like a cuban cigar...

i wonder if he got a monica lewinsky with the cigar

[almaty 19]

i like a cuban cigar...

i wonder if he got a monica lewinsky with the cigar

i doubt it..being a Muslim he does not f##k pigs...

[Robor007 0]

i like a cuban cigar...

i wonder if he got a monica lewinsky with the cigar

i doubt it..being a Muslim he does not f##k pigs...

Neither did Clinton (allegedly)

[Ban Hammer 13,345]

i like a cuban cigar...

i wonder if he got a monica lewinsky with the cigar

i doubt it..being a Muslim he does not f##k pigs...

Neither did Clinton (allegedly)

that's debatable

[almaty 19]

i like a cuban cigar...

i wonder if he got a monica lewinsky with the cigar

i doubt it..being a Muslim he does not f##k pigs...

Neither did Clinton (allegedly)

that's debatable

pwned by brother charles..that was good and funny

[MissStacey 1]

Good call on the hair color.

To be executed with roots? How embarrassing.