As news of Saddam Hussein's capture spread across the country, celebratory shooting erupted in Baghdad's streets, soldiers cheered and victims of his tyranny thanked the United States. Many said it marked a new beginning for Iraq.

Associated Press graphic Shrewd, brutal dictator Requires Adobe Acrobat.

But for some, his capture was a blow to hopes for Saddam's triumphant return, and his peaceful surrender was seen as a stain on Arab honor.

"He swore before the war that Iraqis would fight America, and then he didn't fire a single shot," said Kassem Shelshul, a 28-year-old chauffeur living in Baghdad. "We expected him to commit suicide or resist," he said after watching video of the captured dictator.

It was a publicly humiliating end to a leader who for 30 years presented himself to his people only in the most monumental terms. Video released by the U.S. military showed the bearded, wild-haired leader in custody, submitting to a doctor probing his mouth with rubber-gloved hands. Though U.S. officials said Saddam had a pistol with him when he was caught, he didn't use it.

Iraqis were shocked that the man they feared for three decades was found hiding in a hole and gave up without a fight.

"For the last 35 years Saddam Hussein presented himself as a lion against the Americans and the West, and now today they found him like a mouse," said Laad Hamadi, an Iraqi civil engineer. "He didn't fight for his country, he didn't even fight for himself."

Some called Saddam a coward for getting caught. Others were glad he didn't die a martyr.

"He killed my son, Mohammed, and he tortured his people," 40-year-old Halem al-Jassen said as she celebrated in the street. "Thank God for the United States."