Friday, November 03, 2006
Security worries ahead of Saddam's verdict
Legal
Iraq's defense minister on Friday canceled leave for all army officers, apparently fearing violence after Sunday's expected announcement of a verdict in the trial of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. Defense Minister Abdul-Qader al-Obeidi was heard issuing the order in videotaped footage of a meeting between Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and senior military and security officials, in which al-Maliki upbraided them for failing to stop the capital's unbridled violence.
"All vacations will be canceled and all those who are on vacation must return," al-Obeidi said, adding that reserve soldiers would be called up within 12 hours. On the video released by al-Maliki's office, the prime minister could also be heard discussing a curfew for Sunday, although it wasn't clear whether any such order had been issued. Those measures underscore fears that the verdict could unleash further violence in Iraq.
"All vacations will be canceled and all those who are on vacation must return," al-Obeidi said, adding that reserve soldiers would be called up within 12 hours. On the video released by al-Maliki's office, the prime minister could also be heard discussing a curfew for Sunday, although it wasn't clear whether any such order had been issued. Those measures underscore fears that the verdict could unleash further violence in Iraq.
Many of Saddam's fellow Sunni Arabs, along with some Shiites and Kurds, are predicting a firestorm if the Iraqi High Tribunal convicts and then sentences the ex-president to death, as it is widely expected to do. On the other hand, most Shiites, including al-Maliki, have called for a death sentence, and are likely to be enraged if he escapes the gallows. Al-Maliki said last month he expects "this criminal tyrant will be executed," saying that would likely break the will of Saddam followers in the insurgency.
COMMENT: Many Sunnis, who were the ruling elite and made up the majority of the army under Saddam, want him back, if he is executed they may perceive him as a hero. On the other hand, most Kurds and Shias, who were oppressed by him are hoping that he receives the death sentence and will likely be enraged if he doesn't. These factors may increase the sectarian divide and fuel the violence. Most politicians, both in Iraq and internationally, want the trial over and done with. The legitimacy of the trial has been questioned, while Saddam has used it as his mouthpiece, reminding Iraq's population that he succeeded where the Americans have failed, both with security and reconstruction which has caused people to question whether things really were quite so bad under his rule. As long as he can speak to the Iraqi people through the trial he is a threat to the current government and security, as well as the success of the U.S. alliance. COMMENT ENDS.
