Two Startling Stories

I don't know what to make of these two stories reported in the foreign press, but if they're true.... WOW!

Did the U.S. actually negotiate a peaceful exit for Saddam Hussein that was shot down by the Arab League?! Captains Quarters has the details. There's an interesting discussion in the comments, too.

AND...

Is Al Qaeda gearing up to attack France with missles and WMD, or is it just a bluff? Again, Captains Quarters has the story.

If true, both these stories could have some amazing geopolitical implications...