So this is christmas...
Bethlehem is in subdued mood as Christians celebrate Christmas in the traditional birthplace of Jesus. Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has used a Christmas message to attack Washington and call on Iraqis to rally against US “aggression”. A prisoner has been killed and an unknown number of inmates and police injured in a riot at a prison in Guatemala. The Shin Bet security service and Israel Defense Forces troops detained last week two Hamas operatives from Rafah who planned to kidnap an IDF soldier. The United Nations is engaging in an urgent behind-the-scenes effort to prepare for the possibility of a major humanitarian crisis in Iraq in case weapons inspections fail and the country comes under military attack. Lansing police are releasing the identity of a 40-year-old man shot and killed by an off-duty officer inside a crowded store. Russian news agencies are reporting that security officials have arrested two men who were allegedly armed with explosives. Pope John Paul, leading the world’s Roman Catholics into Christmas, urged humanity on Wednesday to remember that Jesus’ message remained one of hope in times of war, suffering and oppression.