Hussein sentence met with mixed reactions around the globe

By Erin Brodbeck
Collegian Editor
November 8, 2006

The sentence of Saddam Hussein’s death by hanging was announced Nov. 5, and has been met with both criticism and praise from leaders and citizens throughout America, Iraq and the rest of the world.

The sentence was the result of a controversial and dramatic trial that lasted for over a year. Hussein and two others will be hanged for committing war crimes in the Shiite town of Dujail.

President George W. Bush, who had been speaking at campaign events for the recent midterm elections, called the sentence “a major achievement for Iraq’s young democracy.”

Although Bush and many Shiite Iraqis reacted with joy and relief to the news of Hussein’s impending execution, those who have remained loyal to Hussein have expressed anger and regret.

Protestors gathered in Tikrit, Hussein’s hometown, after news of the sentence was broadcast, carrying pictures of the former dictator and shooting guns in the air.

Two Sunni cable television stations have been temporarily shut down in reaction to the news in order to prevent any breakouts of violence, although no major incidents have occurred yet.

In addition, a complete ban on the movement of both citizens and vehicles was put into place in the provinces of Baghdad, Diyala and Salaheddin.

A more celebratory tone was found in the Shiite-occupied areas of Iraq, with jubilant citizens burning pictures of Hussein while firing guns in the air.

The sentence was met with defiance from Hussein. While the chief judge read the verdict, he yelled “God is great” and “Damn you and your court.”

Critics are accusing Bush of timing the sentence with the recent midterm elections, especially since Democrats and Republicans are fighting a close race for control of U.S. Congress.

Many European nations, including France, Italy and Sweden, opposed the death penalty, preferring a sentence of life in prison.

“If Saddam is condemned to death, then they must make it fair and sentence Mr. Bush to death,” said Ibrahim Hreish, a jeweler in Amman, Jordan.

Tony Blair, Prime Minister of Great Britain, has also commented that he opposed the death sentence, but that Hussein’s trial was a reminder of “what the past in Iraq was, the brutality, the tyranny, the hundreds of thousands of people he killed.”

brodbecke1@lasalle.edu