An unusual relic from the Iraq War, a signed deck of “Most Wanted” cards used by American troops to identify top terror suspects, is heading to auction.
The “Iraq Most Wanted Playing Cards” includes 52 faces of key officials sought by Washington, from former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to “Chemical Ali” Hasan al-Majid.
While they became a popular item in the United States at the start of the 2003 war, this deck is signed by 37 of those shown. The signings came while they were in prison and before their trial, execution or release.
The Maryland auction house Alexander Historical Auctions is offering them in the upcoming May 24-25 online sale. The auction time for the cards is 10:30 a.m. May 25.
One card is signed by Huda Salih Mahdi Ammash, an American-educated biochemist known as “Mrs. Anthrax” for her alleged role in Iraq’s biological weapons program.
Her card describes her as “WMD Scientist,” but she inscribed: “Leadership? Yes — Scientist? Indeed — But WMD??!! By NO means. A truth that’ll shine one day — By the grace of God not far away.” She was later acquitted.
Another signer, former Oil Minister Amir Rashid, cut the symbols from the corner of his card because gambling “was an affront to his religious beliefs,” said the auction house.
“A unique relic of our very recent history,” Alexander said.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected]
