July 2, 2004
THIRD REICH, THREE STRIKES?:
Germans, French Object to Saddam Execution (PAMELA SAMPSON, 7/01/04, Associated Press)
Baghdad's decision to re-establish the death penalty ahead of the war crimes trial of Saddam Hussein (news - web sites) evoked a mixed reaction in Europe, recalling the split across the continent over the war that toppled the Iraqi leader.Germany and France, two of the most vocal anti-war opponents, strongly stated their opposition — without exception — to the death penalty and called on Iraqi authorities to ensure Saddam a fair trial.
Which begs an obvious question: do they think the sentences of the Nuremberg Tribunal were unjust and what sentence do they think Hitler would have warranted? After all, he was a first time offender and all... Posted by Orrin Judd at July 2, 2004 5:35 PM
Mr. Judd;
I this more interesting with regard to the horror with which the EUlite view the death penalty.
Palestinian militants publicly executed an accused collaborator with Israel with machineguns in a West Bank town square on Friday after a throng of Palestinian onlookers called for him to die.
I'm waiting for the howls of outrage and reduction of aid for those who did this without even a trial. Waiting ... and waiting ...
Posted by: Annoying Old Guy at July 2, 2004 6:12 PMTime these Europeans to get a new taste of horror and terror! They've obviously forgotten the 30's & 40's. Kick'em out of NATO, get all our troops out of Europe and let 'em feel the nightly chill without a blanket.
Posted by: m9777 at July 2, 2004 7:49 PMThis is chutzpah beyond belief. I was speechless when I read it. Are they completely out of it, or do they really think they have some credibility left?
Posted by: Dave Sheridan at July 3, 2004 3:17 AMIt will be very interesting to see how far they push this. Are we really going to see Euros take to the streets with "Save Saddam Hussein" placards?
Maybe I am out of it, but is this not a great opportunity to mobilize and score big in the war of ideas, where we usually come in second? The Euros want an exclusively legal basis for all international relations and abjure western morality? Capital punishment is always to be opposed? Fine, this is where it leads. Hit the streets and the airwaves with every detail about what this guy did and force the left to confront the implications straight up in the bright light of day. Haul out details of past support. And, yes Orrin, stuff Hitler in their faces and demand answers on camera.
Ah, to dream...
Posted by: Peter B at July 3, 2004 7:35 AMThe problem is Saddam's name just doesn't lend itself well to rhythmic chants of sympathy, the way Ho Chi Mihn's name did during the Vietnam war. It will be a tough task for the tunesmiths on the left to come up with a melodical cadance for their pro-Hussein protests between now and the start of the trial.
Posted by: John at July 3, 2004 10:42 AM