Blurring the lines in Baghdad

The Dec. 30, 2006, execution by hanging of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was a much anticipated event that resulted in mixed reactions from the international community, ranging from joyous celebrations to angry protests. \nThe majority of the Iraqi people and international community do not doubt he was a cruel dictator, responsible for the deaths of thousands of his own people as well as brutal violence and aggression against Iran and Kuwait. He deserved the death sentence that he was given. \nHowever, there has been much controversy regarding the manner in which Saddam was tried and executed. Prominent international leaders such as British Prime Minister Tony Blair have criticized the acts prior to the execution as unacceptable. \nMany believe the Iraqi government should have allowed the conclusion of sentencing for the second trial that was underway, which addressed his Anfal campaign against the Kurds that began in 1988. \nHe was also executed close to the daylong holiday of Eid-ul-Adha, one of the most important holidays among all Muslims. \nProminent news media in America and all over the world aired silent footage of Saddam at his execution, stopping shortly after the noose was placed around his neck. \nAnother video, crudely shot on a cell phone captures all of Saddam's final moments, starting from his being led to the gallows and ending with footage of his lifeless body still hanging from the rope. \nThe video has shocked many. Unlike the eerily calm videos shown by TV news media, this footage shows the reality of Saddam's execution. He's being taunted with Shia prayers, the name of Moqtada Al-Sadr, one of his prominent enemies, and shouts of men telling him his final destination is hell. \nIt is irrelevant whether he deserved those taunts. Quite frankly, it was a more dignified death than he offered his victims. \nBut the Iraqi government should have tread more carefully and carried out his execution in a manner that would be least likely to inflame sectarian and anti-American violence. \nThe use of Shia prayers as a taunt has caused rage among already antagonized Sunni Muslims and will likely lead to an increase in sectarian killings and attacks against coalition troops in Iraq. \nAlso important to note is that the majority of ethnic Kurds, against whom Saddam launched the massive Anfal campaign that included the gassing of 5,000 Kurdish villagers, are Sunni Muslims. For the spectators at Saddam's execution to portray his death as a victory of the Shia population over the Sunni screams of both inaccuracy and incredible insensitivity.\nHopefully, once the initial reactions and retaliations have subsided, the execution of Saddam will close a horrible chapter in Iraqi history and help the Iraqi people move toward a unified, prosperous and democratic nation. \nUntil that time, the Iraqi government would do well to avoid further debacles as they administer justice and build a legitimate government.