January 3, 2007
DETERRENT EFFECT:
Don't Cry for Saddam (Jeremy Lott, 1/3/2007, American Spectator)
After World War II, Winston Churchill initially opposed war crimes tribunals. He believed hearings would afford Nazi leaders dignity they didn't deserve. Instead, the losers should be dispatched without benefit of trial: Why not just hang the bastards?Time marches on, I guess.
The reaction to the Saddam trial and execution should serve as a warning to those who depose dictators: just follow Churchill's advice and hang them immediately, you serve no good purpose by delaying. Posted by Orrin Judd at January 3, 2007 9:44 AM
Comments
The execution couldn't proceed before the November elections. But, the administration does not want us to ponder too much on Saddam and idealistic notions like justice, so his death was secretly and hastily rushed through during the week that is probably the most distracting for Americans.
Posted by: Fifi at January 3, 2007 10:48 PMIf it had been up to Karl Rove it would have been the day before the election. Killing tyrants is great politics.
But it was up to the Shi'a of Iraq, so they did it on a day with particular meaning to the Sunni. Killing tyrants is great politics everywhere.
Posted by: oj at January 3, 2007 11:24 PM