million copies of the novel have already been printed, and now, "Iraq Press" says, "the Baghdadis have been asked to buy tickets for a new theater show for which the powerful Ministry of Culture has mobilized all its resources."

Adib Nasir, "a poet known for his panegyrics of Saddam," has transformed the novel into a play, and a well-known actor is directing it. Nasir has succeeded in turning the 160-page novel into a 160-page poetical play. Nasir is quoted as saying about the novel, "it is miraculous, full of heroism and great deeds."

"The play, like the novel, is causing a stir in Iraq despite its hackneyed and tragic plot of a loveless marriage, rape, and death," says "Iraq Press." The authorities are planning to send about 1 million peoplewith many bussed in from the provinces to see the production.

The staging of the show will be a major event, the news service said, topping even the 15 October celebrations when ceremonies marking the anniversary of a referendum in which Saddam won 99.99 percent of the vote and was declared president for life. (David Nissman)

SADDAM ORDERS GUARDS TO WEAR BULLETPROOF VESTS.
Saddam Husseyn has ordered that the guards charged with his immediate protection wear bulletproof vests, reported "Iraq Press" on 27 October. Also, liaison officers in the force were ordered to leave their offices and go to unspecified locations. Saddam's orders came amid mounting fears of a possible military strike by the U.S. and its allies in their war against international terrorism.

Abid Hamid Mahmud, Saddam's secretary, issued the orders.