Come on ladies and gents, think outside of the box.
Do you really think that Mr al-Shaaf's game is to look as stupid as possible? He really didn't achieve his position in the Iraqi hierachy by being dumb. Firstly, think WHO his reports are aimed at - western audiences? I think not. How about other Arab nations? If you desperately needed to recruit other Islamic 'freedom fighters' to come and join your jihad, what kind of picture do you want to paint - a small nation fighting off the mighty aggressors, or a tin pot nation who has the enemy sleeping in your palaces already? If you were a potential recruit to the Iraqi cause, would you join a lost cause? Also bear in mind that other Arab states only watch Al Jazeera - reknowned for its pro-Iraq stance - and Mr al-Shaaf's press conferences are the highlight of the day (apart from the detailed articles featuring blown women and children).
From a western point of view, Mr al-Shaaf would fit nicely into any of the multitude of news channels. The ability to turn the most dire of circumstances into a positive outlook deserves a commendation. Funny thing, where's Alastair Campbell been recently?