Reversal of 'De-Baathification' Proves Divisive

[Barrett808]

Reversal of 'De-Baathification' Proves Divisive
Authorities are rehiring low-level ex-members, stirring resentment among party's victims.
By Carol J. Williams, Times Staff Writer
July 29, 2004

BAGHDAD — Smart, stylish and secular, graphic designer Eman Haisi might have been a natural ally in the U.S.-led coalition's plan to transform Iraq from dictatorship to democracy.

But Haisi had one major blotch on her resume: a decision 28 years ago — at the age of 15 — to join Saddam Hussein's Baath Party, then considered the smoothest path to higher education and a successful career.

During the U.S.-led occupation of Iraq, American officials seemed bent on eviscerating Hussein's political network, firing tens of thousands of Baathists. Haisi lost her job at Baghdad University's College of Fine Arts and was suspended from a graduate program in graphic arts.

With the June 28 transfer of power to an interim government, people such as Haisi have new hope that their careers and shattered lives will be restored.

...

Former council member Ahmad Chalabi — who had close ties to the Pentagon until allegations arose in May that his political faction had provided flawed intelligence to U.S. agents and leaked American secrets to Iran — remains one of the most steadfast defenders of de-Baathification.

"What about the people who are victims of the Baath? Nothing has been done for them," Chalabi said angrily in an interview. "What about the relatives of the mass-grave victims? How about the ones who have been dismissed from their jobs by Saddam?"

(more)

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-baath29jul29,1,7929048.story?coll=la-headlines-world

[leftchick]

1. Why the Hell is this guy not in Jail?

<Former council member Ahmad Chalabi — who had close ties to the Pentagon until allegations arose in May that his political faction had provided flawed intelligence to U.S. agents and leaked American secrets to Iran >

...I know why... :grr:

[Hobarticus]

2. What did this woman have to do with Saddam's crimes, Chalabi?

Even Bush would have to choke on this logic.