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Arab Reactions to Saddam Verdict

"Black Sunday"

Arab countries' reactions to the death sentence against former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein differ. For some it is politically motivated, for others it is a just punishment.

The Jordanian Al-Rai daily calls it "Black Sunday". Saddam Hussein's death sentence is a response to US dictations and part of a regional and international formula through which the US is sending a message to the entire Arab and Muslim world: the destiny of those who rebel or deviate from the general guidelines and policies drawn for them will be no different than Saddam's.

Jordanian Arabic daily Ad Dustour says the timing of the verdict is a deliberate attempt to boost Republicans in the Mid-Term elections. The daily casts doubt on the legitimacy of the trial, arguing it has been conducted by the occupation. The invaders came to Iraq with the intention of transforming the entire region, but it turned out to be a quagmire reminiscent of Vietnam. If Saddam deserves the death sentence, then so do many others, writes the daily. Among the most deserving, the paper sites US President George W. Bush, and the gangs of neo-conservatives surrounding him, who have caused the death of 655,000 Iraqis.

The Egyptian daily Al-Jumhuriyyah calls the verdict a just punishment for the former leader. Nevertheless, the paper argues that the trial lacked the basic elements of justice, since it was held under the power of occupation. The primary concern now is the suffering of the Iraqi people and the destructive effects of the occupation. Saddam's fate won't change that.

The Saudi Arabian daily Al Ryiash daily is far from unhappy about the death sentence for Saddam and describes it as a logical move given his violent history. But does it really matter? The paper isn't so sure. After all, whether Saddam is hanged on the spot or the execution is delayed, the verdict won't change a thing in Iraq. The polar opposite reactions to the verdict -- some celebrating in the streets, others venting their anger -- merely reflects just how divided Iraq has become. At most, the verdict might help US President George W. Bush in Tuesday's Congressional elections. Some in neighboring countries may also stand to benefit. Iraqis, though, need to understand that an era has come to an end and it is now time for them to join ranks and unify the country.

Al Quds daily from the Palestinian territories says regardless of the oppression and violence of the Saddam Hussein era and regardless of the crimes he committed, two things should be kept in mind. First of all, many foreign observers -- including Americans -- say the trial was neither objective nor neutral. The paper also argues that the verdict may cause more sectarian divisions among Iraqis instead of being the beginning of a new era of unity and solidarity. Keeping Saddam and his cohorts alive would actually be much better for the future of the country, the paper argues. Strange too, the paper writes, that some countries that don't even apply the death penalty welcomed the verdict. In short, the verdict should be overthrown before it becomes too late for the voice of reason and tolerance in Iraq.

-- Mohammad Ghazal