Celebration for Democracy comes early

The world and the people of a fledgling democracy where given an early New Years gift yesterday when dictator and convicted mass murderer Saddam Hussein was marched to the gallows and hanged at approximately 10 p.m. last night.

Saddam was executed for crimes against humanity -- particularly for the mass murder, torture and imprisonment of residents from Dujail after his motorcade was fired upon during 1982.

congratulations again to Iraqi leaders, long eager to dispense with Saddam and the trials that have given him a platform before the world, seemed intent yesterday on ending his life as quickly as was legally possible after his conviction in November. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said the preservation of human rights required Saddam's execution after his final appeal was rejected Tuesday.

The location of the gallows was not disclosed.

"We are happy he has been killed. He put fear into everyone. We had to have a picture of him hanging in the house and, if you were caught without the picture, you didn't know what was coming to you."

This quote from one of thousands of former victims of Saddam's brutal regime sums up the tide of relief that awashes the community. Apparently Lionel Richie was a favourite of Saddam. How ironic, I can almost hear the chorus of "Celebration" emanating from every Iraqi home.

Later,
Kenaz