A change is gonna come

Powell told [India's foreign minister] Sinha that the capture [of Saddam Hussein] would bring "a change in the existing situation and lead to greater respect for the Iraqi Governing Council.  article

A change in the situation perhaps, but how does it lead to greater respect for the IGC? (I think we better turn to some Iraqis for an assessment of that.)

According to observers, the phone call by Powell is an attempt to tell India that matters are under control and fast returning to normal in Iraq. In this is a veiled hint that India could now be expected to accede to the US's now long-standing request that India send troops to Iraq, which would provide the much needed succor to the beleaguered US troops, as well as lead to follow-up action by other countries. It's clear the US is very serious about this request, apparent as India is still stinging following the move by Washington to exclude it from bidding for the US$18.6 billion in contracts for the reconstruction of Iraq.

I think "the capture" is very interesting timing-wise. Among other things, Wulfowitz' faux pas (or was it intentional - I've been reading of rumblings between the neo-cons and the Oaf of Office, coming up on elections) letting the cat out of the bag on the denied contracts just when the Oaf was asking Jim Baker to secure debt forgiveness for Iraq from the same denied countries, was reported to have made the Oaf "distinctly unhappy".

Placating the Oaf was certainly accomplished by "the capture", but more importantly, it gave him some more leverage on the recalcitrant countries, as India understands, to send desperately needed troops to Iraq.

His Ace in the Hole.....but hey, do what you want....you will anyway.