The Saddam verdict: From an Iraqi blogger.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

I've been following a number of blogs from Iraq. This is the first (that I've seen so far) that has dealt with the death sentence given Saddam Hussein. The blogger is a married woman and (I think) a Sunni.

http://thoughtsfrombaghdad.blogspot.com/

Sunday, November 05, 2006
Saddam's Verdict

Saddam Hussein was sentenced today, November 5th, 2006 to a verdict of death by hanging. Though the trial could hardly be called professional, and though the Iraqi prime minister 'predicted' before the trial this death sentence, he probably deserved it.

After the sentencing (and before it, actually), the Iraqiya channel showed scenes of Iraqis celebrating in the streets. I was a little surprised that in my neighborhood, and surrounding neighborhoods, there was no trace of celebration. I think if this had happened two years ago, people would have celebrated with their traditional gunfire celebrations. But now, with the situation as depressing as it is, and with the fear of repercussions from certain elements, people (sp. Sunnis) see this as another event in their life that is not helping make the situaiton in Baghdad better.

I think that it is necessary to emphasize that Sunnis were just as much harmed by Saddam's rule as Shiites and Kurds were. Our uncle in law had to flee the country during the last few years of Saddam's rule because a death sentence was out on him. He was only able to come back to his family and country because of Saddam's ousting. Another uncle was jailed for a few years and all his possessions were taken from him, for a fleeting word he said against the tyrant's regime. Others were killed and went missing. And all Iraqis, young and old, were affected by the crazy wars and sanctions that Saddam put them through.

Two years ago, when the trials against Saddam first started, people were excited about them and watched the proceedings intently. Aunt M, who's husband had been through so much because of Saddam's tyranny, would exclaim against that 'arrogant tyrant' and was constantly waiting for the guilty verdict to be announced. But today, after Iraqis have seen so much violence and death and horror, this guilty verdict brings just a little bit of justice into their lives. So much more needs to be fixed now.

How do I feel about it? I remember watching Saddam on TV when he was still in power, and to me he epitomized the Arabic word jabbar- arrogant, powerful tyrant- more than any other dictator ruler out there. Seeing him when he was caught and through out his trials, and today, was just so humbling. Going from so high up, from such power and arrogance and jabaroot to such an end, subhanaAllah, very humbling.

What else am I feeling? I'm seeing people turn this into a Sunni/Shiite clash, and that is not right. Like I mentioned before, everyone, Sunni/Shiite/Kurd, were affected by the former regime. But things have not gotten better since Saddam's days, to say the least, and many people here are just not celebrating.

[OwnedByFerrets]

1. Well, you just know monkeyboy is pissing his pants with excitement

at the chance of seeing a hanging.:puke:

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. the problem wth the trial is not that it was held

but where

He and his people should have been turned over to the World Court at the Hague... for this reeks of "victor's jusctice" especially when the Justice Minister passed judgment before the court heard a peep of evidence

And this is not a statement on his innocence or guilt

But I suspect if he went to the Hague there would have been far more calls to get certain US gentlemen into the Witness stand (and french, and British), and that could not be done without certain embarrasment, to say the least.

So he had his day in court, we will be told... even if it does not MEET any international standards

(Incidentally the world court removed the DP a long time ago, even for crimes against humanity, the worst he could have faced, I belive is life)

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

3. I certainly agree. I just wanted to give the perspective of someone there.

And, someone who is likely to be affected directly by the verdict.

[nadinbrzezinski]

4. Indirectly we will all be

all experts are expecting that country to fully sink into civil war

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

5. Too true. The Iraqi bloggers dread it.

Or, are resigned to it.

I read a number of Iraqi blogs and the overwhelming feeling I get from them is a sort of resignation no matter where they might stand politically or in terms of religion.