Some thoughts and impressions on the execution of Saddam Hussein

Although often a brutal dictator, Saddam Hussein's execution was remarkable in many ways.

The mobile phone video of Saddam's execution was taped by one of the attendees, who is a high ranking official.

First, there is his calmness, and composure, and even courage. He was not afraid to die. He refused the blind fold too.

When a group of onlookers mocked him, his reply was "هية هاي المرجلة" meaning "Is this manliness?"

One of the onlookers tells the other "Please no. The man is being executed". No matter how much hatred they have for the man, death is to be respected.

Some detractors though tried to portray him as afraid and pale. Others invented a story that before his burial, his face has turned into the face of a wild boar, and that his grave had a bad stench.

The way he died however will make a lasting impression on many. For example, the Telegraph has an opinion column that Saddam's execution has made him a martyr. Even the ineloquent Mubarak says that Saddam is made a martyr.

Feeling Sympathy for a Tyrant: A Five Star Death

Commenting on the execution, The Register says that Saddam has outclassed his executioners. Moreover, they quote one Stephen Moss as saying: "Saddam's killers have achieved the impossible: they have made us feel sympathy for him, for his grace under pressure. There may not have been dignity in the dying, but there was courage. A five-star death." 

Would this atone for Saddam?

Would this atone for his misdeeds over a quarter of a century? Maybe to some. However, many thousands died and the trial only covered some 150 deaths. It would have brought closure to the families of the deceased if at least a inquest into the other atrocities were held.

Many humans have many aspects, and so did Saddam. He did some good things and other very bad things.

I however admire the way he died.

Timing questioned

Meanwhile, the timing and haste is very strange, falling on the first day of Eid Al Adha for many Muslim countries. A suprisingly high number of Al Jazeera poll respondents (92%) sees this as insult.

Video leak investigated

The leak of the video was investigated, and one official was arrested.

Many Tyrants Go Unpunished

One also has to remember that many tyrants in history have went unpunished. Example abound.

From Adolf Hitler to Josef Stalin to Pol Pot to Gamal Abdel Nasser to Hafiz Assad, and even Augusto Pinochet. None of them was brought to trial to face justice.