a No Brainer: 'Some Iraqis fear Saddam execution would fuel violence'

[leftchick]

Too bad US foreign policy is also run by a no-brainer....

http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=worldNews&storyID=2006-12-27T120019Z_01_KHA724852_RTRUKOC_0_US-IRAQ-SADDAM-REACTION.xml&WTmodLoc=IntNewsHome_C2_worldNews-1

This is a just sentence because Saddam oppressed the Iraqi people but I think it came at the wrong time because we're living through a cycle of violence," said Baghdad resident Mohammed Nasir.

Edward Iskander, a 37-year-old shopkeeper, agreed.

"I just hope they let him die naturally because if we execute him, his followers will unleash mayhem," Iskander said as he opened his small food store in central Baghdad's Karrada district.

Some people fear Saddam's die-hard followers, who form part of the Sunni Arab insurgency, will produce a bloody backlash if he is executed. But others say his death will end their hopes and their fight.

<snip>



Baath party threatens to retaliate

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061227/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_saddam_verdict_1


AMMAN, Jordan - Saddam Hussein's Baath Party threatened Wednesday to retaliate if the ousted Iraqi leader is executed, warning in an Internet posting it would target U.S. interests anywhere.

The statement appeared on a Web site known to represent the party, which was disbanded after U.S.-led forces overthrew Saddam in 2003. The site is believed to be run from Yemen, where several exiled Baathists are based.

<snip>

"Our party warns again of the consequences of executing Mr. President and his comrades," the statement said.

"The Baath and the resistance are determined to retaliate, with all means and everywhere, to harm America and its interests if it commits this crime," the statement added, referring to Baath fighters as "the resistance."

"The American administration will be held responsible for any harm inflicted on the president because the United States is the decision-maker (in Iraq) and not the puppet Iraqi government."

[RaleighNCDUer]

1. And this is why he should have been sent to The Hague --

There were enough international offenses committed that The Hague could claim jurisdiction, from the use of poison gas in the Iran/Iraq war, initiating the war against Iran and takeover of Kuwait, the execution of the British journalist on bogus spying charges, not to mention the genocide of the Kurds.

One thing that MUST be avoided is creating martyrs. All that executing him does is show by example that everything he did was right and justifiable. Murder works. It eliminates a problem, and what's good for one is good for all.

Better to let him sit in a prison cell, to be a butt of political jokes for a few years till he is forgotten altogether.

[chknltl]

3. The ol' Noriega (sp?) treatment....

I like it! Good response NCevilDUer. I never considered the notion that his death might fuel a few more acts of terrorism, and yes I now think that may be the case. I do suspect that these acts, spurred on by the death of Saddam, will be a non-event when compared to the greater violence that Iraq is enduring now. I see much of the violence as being prompted by those who are trying to divide up for themselves that which Saddam once owned. Most of these folks are quite happy that Saddam is now out of the way. Would they be above using Saddam's death to further their goals? Well that will be a wait and see is all I can say to that.

[King Coal]

2. How would the Fundies like it if the Catholics had Jerry Falwell hanged?

They would poop thier pants.

[Frustratedlady]

4. How would anyone notice?

With all the violence and killings going on today in Iraq, what's one more? I agree that the trial should have been sent to the Hague.

[kentuck]

5. The Iraqi people know what is happening...

The US is calling the shots.