Saddam: The Final Chapter
Saddam Hussein has been executed, after a full and fair trial -- unlike the countless summary executions and massacres for which he was responsible.
Disappointingly, the Vatican has denounced the execution, expressing fear that it will, as the linked AP story puts it, "fuel revenge and new violence."
First, it's worth gently pointing out that one could only wish the Vatican had been as vocal about denouncing the atrocities being committed by Saddam and in his name. Second, it seems that those who are able facilely to oppose this execution may be forgetting that for the terrorized Iraqis -- who lived through years of a brutal dictatorship marked by tortures, rape and inhumane behavior of all kinds -- seeing Saddam Hussein dead, once and for all, may be the only way they can move on with their lives in confidence that the dark and ugly days of Saddam's rule will never, never return.
Finally, perhaps, sometimes, it's salutary for the entire world to witness the working of justice: A one-time absolute dictator hanged like a common criminal, having been tried, convicted and sentenced in gravity and justice by citizens of the nation he abused.
Disappointingly, the Vatican has denounced the execution, expressing fear that it will, as the linked AP story puts it, "fuel revenge and new violence."
First, it's worth gently pointing out that one could only wish the Vatican had been as vocal about denouncing the atrocities being committed by Saddam and in his name. Second, it seems that those who are able facilely to oppose this execution may be forgetting that for the terrorized Iraqis -- who lived through years of a brutal dictatorship marked by tortures, rape and inhumane behavior of all kinds -- seeing Saddam Hussein dead, once and for all, may be the only way they can move on with their lives in confidence that the dark and ugly days of Saddam's rule will never, never return.
Finally, perhaps, sometimes, it's salutary for the entire world to witness the working of justice: A one-time absolute dictator hanged like a common criminal, having been tried, convicted and sentenced in gravity and justice by citizens of the nation he abused.
posted by LadybugUSA at 11:40 AM
4 Comments:
In a kind of "damned if you do, damned if you don't", a surge in violence is to be expected by those who supported Hussein. That's the result of no longer being able to fight for his eventual return to power. This way is better.
Carol, the Vatican wants peace on earth, a nice ideal, we all agree. In an ideal world, in which we do not live we also need justice. Saddam was tried, not in an ideal way maybe, but better than most.
Carol,
Of course the Vatican denounced the killing of Saddam Hussein, as they oppose all killing. They are the head of the largest Christian organization in the world. Christians aren't supposed to kill people.
Actually, Christians aren't supposed to murder people. There's a difference.
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