PHOTOGABBLE // BLOG POST
Saddam Execution
December 30th, 2006
I refuse to defend the ex-president of Iraq in light of the many horrific injustices he took part in and the crimes against humanity which he lead. However I still feel that it was morally wrong to hand him over to Iraqi authorities so as to be put to death. I question you, what good will it do the Iraqi people to kill their ex-leader, the Americans had already taken away everything he had, then they went and took away his life.
I’m sorry if this offends but I do not believe any good will come to the Iraqi people from this. Even the American president George Bush can be quoted as having said “Bringing Saddam Hussein to justice will not end the violence in Iraq” (1) which only a few months prior had been the soul reason to stage the execution. If the execution would not in fact bring peace, or any good what so ever then why even carry one out in the first place. The most obvious answer would be for the purpose of revenge, but then why would America want to taint themselves with such an act by handing their prisoner of war over? The answer is that they don’t and this is why Bush has made it clear not only to his own people but to the whole world that this was the action of the Iraqi people and “an important milestone on Iraq’s course to becoming a democracy” (1), therefore exempting himself and his “government” from any blame – a very clever tactic.
I don’t believe any good can come of this killing because it was carried out as an act of revenge and has angered many people around the world whom shall want to exert revenge against those who carried out the killing. The result of this is that due to America placing the blame on Iraq’s new government for making the decision (when it is pretty obvious that it was Americas decision) then there will be more, not less violence in Iraq. But not only that, there shall be an increased risk to all Americans around the world, not just on their own soil but when they visit foreign countries they shall be big red targets just screaming to be kidnapped, raped or murdered – this also goes for all Westerners whose country or origin took part in the execution. Iraq is still not safe, and now the rest of the world isn’t either.
The killing of Saddam Hussein may have brought joy to those whom he had caused suffering, but to those who still had some respect for him and those who opposed it on moral principia and the fact that it appeared to be simply an American action: there was outrage. In Srinagar Kashmiri protesters shouted slogans in front of a burning effigy of U.S. President George Bush during a protest against the execution, they aren’t protesting against their new government, simply the fact that it appears to them to not be a government for the people of Iraq, more a government for the corporate interests of the United States of America.
I must state, I have no compassion for the man. He did a great many evil things, however I do not believe that Capital punishment should be regarded as a part of democracy – in fact to hang someone is downright barbaric and I am shocked that the American Government allied themselves with such an act. Many of the worlds leaders have officially stated their disagreement at the hanging as not only is the timing ill advised in light of the regions political problems but that Capital Punishment has been abolished in most civilized places on earth (Cambodia, Finland, Italy, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom).
I think it is a good step the Iraqi people bringing their former leader to justice in a “fair” court abiding by their constitution and their laws. All dictators must answer for their crimes but I for one can not support this decision as I am against the death penalty. No crime is so great so as to lead another man into sin simply to correct prior evil deeds in his miss guided eyes. There will be a day when hindsight teaches all those involved that their actions were wrong – but for now let them rejoice, they have made their beds. Now let them sleep in them.
References & Source
I believe everyody in the world should have guns. Citizens should have bazookas and rocket launchers too. I believe that all citizens should have their weapons of choice. However, I also believe that only I should have the ammunition. Because frankly, I wouldn’t trust the rest of the goobers with anything more dangerous than string. – Scott Adams
Reunited and it feels so good!