Saddam's Execution -- A Reflection


It looks as if Saddam Hussein, former leader of Iraq, and by any measure a tyrant and dictator, will be executed on Saturday, December 30th. There is no doubt that Saddam was responsible for the deaths of thousands, if not millions of Iraqi's and Iranians (though in regard to the latter it was a war and we supported Saddam against Iran). He was a brutal dictator and if anyone qualifies for the executioner, it is him.

But, is it the right thing to do? Only history will tell us the effect his execution will have on Iraq's stability. I don't think that Saddam is beloved by anyone besides family and a small cadre of followers. It' s more likely that he was feared than loved. That being said, for many Sunni's and many Christians Saddam represents a time of stability and prominence. With a Shiite majority in ascendancy there is the fear on the part of both Sunni's and Christians that their rights will be curtailed. I think you could argue on pragmatic grounds either way -- for or against execution.

Arguments for execution are quite simple. He's a murderer and he deserves to be executed. His death will, it is argued, will bring closure to the families of his victims. It could also be said that his death removes him as a center of the insurgency -- though at this point he is likely irrelevant to it.

The news I've read is that Saddam is taking all of this in stride. That's not surprising as he has been on the other side plenty of times -- ordering the execution of opponents and enemies.

But, what about the "rightness" of the act of execution. I'm on record as opposing the death penalty. Consistency requires that I remain committed to that position even now. I still believe that the death penalty is an ineffective act of vengeance. Serving as I do a Lord who was the victim of state execution, I want to listen for the voice of Jesus here. Everything I know of Jesus, his teachings on mercy, grace, compassion, tell me that he would, indeed, does oppose the execution of Saddam Hussein. Saying this does not excuse his actions. I would rather he spend his life in prison, reflecting on what has happened and see what he let loose on his nation by his intransigence (this is not to say that George Bush was right in declaring war, because I don't believe he was) in the face of international pressure to change his regime and turn over power to others. As big a mistake as Bush and company made in going to war, Saddam must share considerable blame for the morass that's developed in Iraq.

So, I remain committed to the principle of life and must declare my opposition to this act of vengeance.

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