The Making of a Martyr

Because I'm opposed to capital punishment, I stand opposed to any execution, including that of Saddam Hussein, who by any measure was a tyrant and a murderer. That being said, his execution and the way it was handled makes a mockery of justice and makes it clear that this was about vengeance and not justice. The reports that the name Muqtada was chanted should also give every American pause as we consider the future of our involvement in Iraq. In some ways, if you thought Saddam was bad, consider what Muqtada al Sadr will be like.

Apparently, according to the story I read this morning the person responsible for the illicit video of Saddam's execution was the Prime Minister's National Security Advisor. This is not good news. Then when all of this is added on top of all this, the decision to rush the execution and hold it on the day that Sunni's celebrate the Eid or Sacrifice of Ishmael will be seen by Sunni's as a Shiite affront to their own faith.

So far the response has been largely peaceful, but the Shiite led government has taken a man most Iraqi's, including most Sunni's, both feared and hated into a Sunni Martyr. It should be remembered as well that the Kurds are largely Sunni, so what does that say about the Shiite-Kurd alliance.

It seems as if things simply go from bad to worse. Staying the course won't work. Reining in the Shiite Militias will require engagement with Iran, who sponsor these militias.

The work is cut out for a lot of people and the death toll on American soldiers, which now has surpassed 3000, will only continue to grow. Not good news, but maybe it will be a wake up call in Washington.

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