A nut's audition for martyrdom

The Associated Press, The Washington Post and Fox News called it "stunning." CNN called it "startling." The Los Angeles Times called it "dramatic."

Sorry, folks, but it's time to cut off these ignorant superlatives at the knees and call the testimony of al-Qaida operative Zacarias Moussaoui what it really most likely is -- buncombe. And, oh, yes, a nut's audition for martyrdom.

Mr. Moussaoui, a French Moroccan, took the stand Monday in the life-or-death sentencing phase of his federal terrorism trial in Alexandria, Va., and matter-of-factly changed his previous story.

Not only did Moussaoui say he lied about his involvement upon his August 2001 arrest to preserve the Sept. 11, 2001, attack; he laid out a tale about how he and convicted would-be shoe bomber Richard Reid -- it might as well have been Mr. Magoo -- were to be part of a terrorist crew that was to hijack a fifth jetliner on 9/11 and crash it into the White House.

Is it the truth• Terrorism expert Steve Emerson says Moussaoui's claims don't add up.

A government witness-coaching scandal appeared to have taken the death penalty off the table; Moussaoui's testimony, opposed by defense attorneys with whom he does not speak, will make it nigh impossible for the jury to recommend anything else.

Which is exactly what Zacarias Moussaoui, nut, liar and wannabe martyr, is counting on. A smart jury will disappoint him.