Iraqi Action Heroes

Iraq's wacky information minister's whereabouts may remain unknown, but his cult status is booming. A talking action figure of Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf is toymaker Emil Vicale's latest hit. Vicale's company makes dolls of notables in the Iraq war and the war on terrorism, from President Bush to Saddam Hussein. For those who want Osama bin Laden, but find him too menacing in military fatigues, Herobuilders offers another outfit. "We made him a nice pink dress," Vicale said. "The demand was so much we had to look for a seamstress who specializes in these little clothes." Vicale's sold thousands. In response to charges that the dolls are racist or capitalize on tragedy, Vicale says he's poking fun at America's enemies while nonviolently venting his anger over terrorism.