US asylum for Iraqi who saved Lynch

The Iraqi lawyer, who risked his life to help American commandos rescue prisoner of war Jessica Lynch, has been granted political asylum by the US Government, along with his wife and five-year-old daughter, in what officials call an extremely rare and expedited process.

Mohammed Odeh Rehaief, 32, who was visiting his wife at the Iraqi hospital where she worked as a nurse when he spotted Lynch, was flown to the Washington area on April 10. He’s sorting through offers of help from Americans who admire his heroism, officials said. ‘‘Rehaief should know Americans are grateful for his bravery,’’ Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said.

‘‘He put his own life at risk. This is a good signal to send to his family and the Iraqi people,’’ the Homeland Security secretary added. (LAT-WP)