Monday, September 11, 2006
Saddam's second trial begins
Politics
Following a 19-day break, Saddam's second trial has begun. Saddam and six co-defendants face charges of genocide for the killings of tens of thousands of Kurds during the Anfal campaign, a military assault on northern Iraq in the 1980s. The offensive leveled hundreds of villages and used chemical weapons on many of them. Residents were herded into prison camps where many of the men disappeared and were executed, according to prosecutors. Saddam and his co-defendants may face the death penalty.
COMMENT: As seen previously, Saddam is likely to make the most out of public appearances in court, goading the judge and encouraging the Iraqi people to support him. He already has a strong support base and this is likely to strengthen it, particularly among the Sunnis. Mortar and rocket attacks on the International Zone, where the trial is being held, are likely as the trial resumes. Kurds and many Shias will want harsh sentancing. COMMENT ENDS.
