Saddam was sentenced to death over the weekend for what the court found were crimes against humanity.
Funny thing though, there weren’t many details beyond that. No details as to specific convictions on the charges brought against him, or anything like that. No reasonings from the court.
We find out why now. Turns out the Tribunal released their verdict 4 days early. US officials said the decision should be ready by Thursday.
So, the Tribunal releases its findings early. Conveniently there’s some sort of election going on tomorrow. Its unlikely the decision will swing the outcome one way or another in a significant way. Although the Iraq issue is central to this year’s election, I don’t think there is much discussion, or concern, as to Saddam’s guilt or innocence.
This trial should have proceeded at the International War Crimes tribunal. It was good enough for criminals in World War 2, it was good enough for criminals in Kosovo, it was good enough here as well.
There, less questions of timing, and probably even fairness, would be raised. As it stands now, Iraqis doubt the legitimacy of the tribunal and people in the US are questioning the timing of the verdict’s delivery.
Here’s hoping a different wind blows across the country, starting tomorrow morning when the polls open.
tags:
iraq,
politics
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