[CentOS] Update issue - tar package problem?

> from memory i have not deliberately removed the i386 package, but you
> are right it is not there, however rpm does seem to know about
> /bin/tar
>
> # rpm -ql tar
> /bin/gtar
> /bin/tar
> <snip>
>
> although i agree its something rpm db related as reinstalling tar via
> rpm rather than yum solves the problem, however i dont see how this
> situation has arisen.

rebuilding the rpmdb did not help - installing the i386 package using
rpm 'fixed' it but its still very strange