justice (n) - 1. The quality of being just; fairness. 2a. The principle of moral rightness; equity. b. Conformity to moral rightness in action or attitude; righteousness. 3a. The upholding of what is just, especially fair treatment and due reward in accordance with honor, standards, or law. (The American Heritage Dictionary)
Whatever you may think of Saddam Hussein, and he will have few supporters outside of Iraq's Sunni Muslim community, it is still possible reflect on his trial and execution and recognise that the process of both was avoidably flawed.
The trial was held by an unstable and threatened government with deep sectarian divisions. The law under which he was charged was uncertain and in a state of flux. The independence of the judiciary was questionable as was evidenced by the continual flow of sacked judges. The crimes with which the former dictator was charged were committed whilst he was an ally of the American and British governments. The hand of these governments, especially the former, was ever present behind the scenes of the trail pulling the strings. As to his execution, well, I haven't seen, and will not see, either the official or unofficial video but the news reports have proved sufficient to show me that this was an act of retribution and not one of justice done (if an execution can ever be seen as to be justice done).
Neither Iraq nor the world at large is not a better or safer place as a result of these actions. I wish that the country of my birth were better able to set forth an example to which the world could, and would, aspire.
Sigh.
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