June 30, 2004
Do you think he is in better hands being dealt with by his own people? I know it needs to happen there for closure and what-not, but do you think he will be railroaded?
He will most certainly be executed. I've read that the judicial system won't be equipped to deal with this sort of trial (witness the ongoing saga of Milosovek in The Hague), but I don't know that that matters much. It will be attended by various international arbiters: Red Cross, ICJ, etc...as long as it's fair, who cares if it's inefficient?
It's a difficult trial, to be sure. It's clear he'll be found guilty and executed, but it's not clear it'll be a fair trial. Even so, since the outcome would be the same—he's assuredly guilty—I'm not sure how much of a difference it makes, except in appearances.
Of course, I don't think even Hussein deserves the death penalty. It's nothing more than barbaric revenge.
That's a debate we need to have someday. I haven't really thrashed out my own viewpoints on it. But if anyone deserves the death penalty, I think Hussein would be on the list (if not necessarily near the top).
Of course. I just don't think anyone deserves the death penalty.
Sorry, I don't think I was very clear. I meant to say I'm not sure whether or not I believe in the death penalty itself.
I'm not all that concerned with the due process, I just want the trial to lay out all the evidence so the world is able to see what he is technically accused of. Basically I want to hear more than the gassing of the Kurds, etc. I am pro death penalty, but I dont think it may be right in this case. I think Saddam could be used to greater effect in captivity, but that would definately cause more trouble for the new state..
p.s. excuse my spelling (definitely)
Just watched Saddam in court, nothing too spectacular. He got a little agitated about the whole Kuwait incident, made a joke about having money to afford a lawyer, and kept referring to himself as the president of Iraq. I guess old habits die hard. His lawyers have alrady filed a change of venue, based on the ability for a fair trial in Iraq. I still say Saddam looks like a nice guy, and I would still have a drink with him if the opportunity presented itself (if I were ever in an Iraqi jail under US supervision perhaps).