The New York Times is reporting that Saddam Hussein may be helping coordinate and direct attacks against the U.S. and Iraqis who are collaborating with the occupying rulers. Senior U.S. officials say uncorroborated intelligences suggests Hussein may be directing the attacks from site near his hometown of Tikrit. Until now the Bush administration has portrayed Hussein to be on the run and no longer of importance.

Meanwhile U.S. soldiers have sealed off the village of Uja near Tikrit and established checkpoints along the town’s perimeter. The U.S. is requiring that all adults register for identity cards. No one will be allowed to leave or enter the village without a registration card. U.S. officials said many former Baathist members live in the village. In Baghdad, a bomb last night set portions of the Old City ablaze killing two people. And in Falluja, Iraqis set the governor’s office building and two police cars on fire.

Meanwhile on Capitol Hill, the House of Representatives voted 298-121 to back the White House’s request for an $87 billion Iraq reconstruction package.