AP: Iraq's defense minister cancels all leave for soldiers ahead of Saddam trial verdict

[Eugene]

Iraq's defense minister cancels all leave for soldiers ahead of Saddam trial verdict

The Associated Press
Published: November 3, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq: Iraq's defense minister on Friday canceled all leave for army soldiers,
apparently fearing violence after Sunday's expected announcement of a verdict in the
trial of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

Defense Minister Abdul-Qader al-Obeidi was heard issuing the order in videotaped footage
of a meeting between Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and senior military and security
officials, in which al-Maliki upbraided them for failing to stop the capital's unbridled
violence.

"All vacations will be canceled and all those who are on vacation must return," al-Obeidi
said.

-snip-

On the video released by al-Maliki's office, the prime minister could also be heard
discussing a curfew for Sunday, although it wasn't clear whether any such order had been
issued.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/11/03/africa/ME_GEN_Iraq_Leaves_Canceled.php

Related Reuters article...

INTERVIEW-Saddam says his sentencing timed to boost Bush
03 Nov 2006 16:07:45 GMT
Source: Reuters

By Suleiman al-Khalidi

AMMAN, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Saddam Hussein's defence team urged a delay on Friday
of his possible death sentence and said the ousted Iraqi leader believed Sunday's
expected verdict was timed to boost President George Bush before U.S. mid-term
elections.

Chief lawyer Khalil al-Dulaimi said a letter was sent on Thursday asking the Iraqi High
Tribunal trying the former president to delay delivering its verdict against him and his
seven co-defendants charged with crimes against humanity.

-snip-

"The President believes the verdict is timed to boost Bush's plunging popularity. If the
court decided on a political and negative verdict we will appeal the verdict," he added.

Dulaimi said he would not be surprised by a death sentence as from the start of the trial
both the Americans and the Iraqi authorities wanted to push ahead with the trial to "score
political points."

-snip-

Full article: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L0334331.htm