Saddam Hussein Verdict

It ain't funny, but there is comedy in the outcome.

Iraq war protagonists the United States and Britain have led those welcoming the death sentence handed to ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, but other nations and groups were more guarded, voicing concerns over his trial.

Britain said Saddam had been "held to account" for his crimes after Iraq's ex-president was sentenced to death by hanging for his role in ordering the deaths of 148 Shiite villagers in the village of Dujail, north of Baghdad.

"Appalling crimes were committed by Saddam Hussein's regime. It is right that those accused of such crimes against the Iraqi people should face Iraqi justice," said British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett in a statement Sunday.

The first reaction from the United States came from the country's ambassador in Baghdad who said the verdicts against Saddam and his co-defendants marked an "important milestone" for Iraq.

"A former dictator feared by millions, who killed his own citizens without mercy or justice, who waged wars against neighboring countries, has been brought to trial in his own country -- held accountable in a court of law with ordinary citizens bearing witness," Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said.

"Today is an important milestone for Iraq as the country takes another mjor step forward in the building of a free society based on the rule of law," said a statement from Khalilzad.

A free society based on the rule of law? Surely you jest. If any rule of law is imposed it'll be Shiia law and unlike most laws around the world.


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