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Iraq Judge Spin: Saddam Down in the Dumps

By Jeralyn, Section War In Iraq
Posted on Sat Jun 04, 2005 at 05:43:27 PM EST
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Bump and Update: Armando at Daily Kos notices there's a lot more news lately about Saddam, and wonders why. I think it's because his trial is supposed to begin in two months. It is curious, as Armando notes, that the quote about Saddam's spirits comes from a judge. Judges don't pay house calls to inmates, even in Baghdad. So who leaked this information? Is it part of an orchestrated campaign that began with the undie photos?

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Original Post

This is just laughable. The Judge in the trial of Saddam Hussein says his spirits have sagged in recent months as reality sets in.

"The ousted president has suffered a collapse in his morale because he understands the extent of the charges against him and because he's certain that he will stand trial before an impartial court," [Judge Raid] Juhi was quoted as saying.

What self-serving propoganda. Does anyone really think Saddam believes his trial will be impartial? His lawyer, by the way, says his spirits are high.

Saddam's lawyer Khalil al-Duleimi, however, told The Associated Press that his client was in high spirits and that he was not aware of the 12 cases the judge referred to. "The last time I met Saddam was in late April and his spirits were very high," al-Duleimi said.

The truth more likely is that Saddam is getting dispirited, but it's because he knows his trial will be a farce. If America and the new Iraqi government want the trial and its ultimate verdict to be viewed with credibility and integrity, it should have allowed the trial to take place in an International court.

An internationally led tribunal would be a far better option, whether a fully international tribunal or, more likely, an internationally run tribunal with significant domestic participation, such as the special court set up for Sierra Leone. Because its personnel would be selected by the United Nations rather than by Washington's surrogates, an internationally led tribunal is more likely to be seen as legitimate. And because it can draw from a global pool of talent, it would be better able to secure the experienced and fair-minded jurists than a court that must look only to Iraqis. An internationally led tribunal could still conduct trials in Baghdad and involve Iraqis as much as possible, but it would be run by international jurists with proven records of overseeing complex prosecutions and scrupulously respecting international fair-trial standards.

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    Iraq Judge Spin: Saddam Down in the Dumps | 15 comments (15 topical)
    Re: Iraq Judge Spin: Saddam Down in the Dumps (none / 0) (#1)
    by Ambiorix on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:59:41 PM EST
    How can one have an impartial trial in a country where the polcie has to put on a mask when they go to work.

    Re: Iraq Judge Spin: Saddam Down in the Dumps (none / 0) (#2)
    by Ambiorix on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:59:41 PM EST
    Sorry, this reads better: How can one have an impartial trial in a country where policemen have to put on masks when they go to work.

    Re: Iraq Judge Spin: Saddam Down in the Dumps (none / 0) (#3)
    by The Heretik on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:59:41 PM EST
    The impartial court does not sound like it has already determined Hussein's fate, not at all.

    Re: Iraq Judge Spin: Saddam Down in the Dumps (none / 0) (#4)
    by ppjakajim on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:59:41 PM EST
    Well, his trial will be much fairer than the ones he and his henchmen passed out.

    Re: Iraq Judge Spin: Saddam Down in the Dumps (none / 0) (#5)
    by Che's Lounge on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:59:41 PM EST
    Hey Nancy. Stick a fork in the Jackson case. It's just about done. Time to rev up the next meal ticket. What evah shall we call this one? The fruit of the loon trial? Waiter, more compazine here.

    Re: Iraq Judge Spin: Saddam Down in the Dumps (none / 0) (#6)
    by Ernesto Del Mundo on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:59:41 PM EST
    PPJ, Heh heh, you sure about that?

    Re: Iraq Judge Spin: Saddam Down in the Dumps (none / 0) (#7)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:59:41 PM EST
    Love how they call the dictator an ousted 'president.' That's the proper term, since actually being ELECTED is no longer necessary. 30 states lose their recount rights, and all the unamerican wingers can say is hooray for our side.

    Re: Iraq Judge Spin: Saddam Down in the Dumps (none / 0) (#8)
    by pigwiggle on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:59:41 PM EST
    "Does anyone really think Saddam believes his trial will be impartial?" I don't, and should it? The man devastated three countries and oppressed entire ethnic and religious groups for years upon years. Saddam, cry me a river.

    Re: Iraq Judge Spin: Saddam Down in the Dumps (none / 0) (#9)
    by ppjakajim on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:59:41 PM EST
    Ernesto - Just as long as they kill him, I don't care. Heh heh heh.

    Re: Iraq Judge Spin: Saddam Down in the Dumps (none / 0) (#10)
    by Darryl Pearce on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:59:42 PM EST
    Just as long as they kill him, I don't care An axiom: Dead men don't tell tales. Even McVeigh knows that.

    Re: Iraq Judge Spin: Saddam Down in the Dumps (none / 0) (#11)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:59:42 PM EST
    Gee, pig, if the case is so clearcut (and it is), then an impartial trial isn't going to save him from the punishment of his actions. We might even teach those primitive so-and-so's something about the law -- ya' think? How about Bush? His case is clearcut -- what are the odds that he'll get an impartial trial? And what will THAT teach the darker, less free types?

    Re: Iraq Judge Spin: Saddam Down in the Dumps (none / 0) (#13)
    by DawesFred60 on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:59:42 PM EST
    Reality sets in? saddam was a dead nut case the day the u.s.a. want after him, in 1991. I mean come on saddam is insane and like most Nut case's has no idea of what Reality is or is not. I say just shot this murderous pig. But you understand bush needs saddam alive for now don't you? and can you understand why? oh yes was Nuremberg Impartial? the judge by the way is setting up some political deal.

    Re: Iraq Judge Spin: Saddam Down in the Dumps (none / 0) (#15)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:59:42 PM EST
    Well, I guess I'd be a little down in the dumps too if I knew I was facing the death penalty before an Iraqi court. Can't hire Johnny Cochran, either. This is starting to look downright grim.

    Re: Iraq Judge Spin: Saddam Down in the Dumps (none / 0) (#16)
    by wg on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:59:42 PM EST
    Look the guy went through some sort of rehabilitation/retraining program and simply does what he thinks is expected of him now. Rational behavior in my assessment. You would do that too if in his shoes. Rehabilitation/training of Iraqi judges is done in, of all places, the Czech Republic in the so-called CELLI institute, an outfit established and paid for by our and UK special agencies. To give you a flavor of the place Richard Armitage, a top level neocon, gave a pep talk there recently . I don't think they will try Hussein soon. He (and his underwear) is worth much more alive serving as a distraction than when dead and unfortunately lots of distractions are needed these days. The source of current campaign - torture/abuse revelations old and incoming and Patriot Act II imho. -- BTW I find that recent yelling by Rumsfeld at Chinese for having too many weapons (?) troubling. Things must be going real bad in Iraq/Kabul if he needs to resort to this to lift his spirits. Not even waiting for Bolton? This is not helpful, it would serve this country's interest better if somebody gave him a cassette with "Nobody rains on my parade" to sing along to when he drives home every day. Rummy, please, yelling at and threatening other people usually get them pissed, it won't get you more respect. And respect is what we badly need, the respect you and your neocons from The Project for the New American Century squandered so recklessly.

    Re: Iraq Judge Spin: Saddam Down in the Dumps (none / 0) (#17)
    by kdog on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:59:44 PM EST
    I would think Saddam would be anxious to expose the co-conspirators in the mass murders he committed. I sure am curious as to how involved my govt. was in arming this maniac.

    Iraq Judge Spin: Saddam Down in the Dumps | 15 comments (15 topical)