Posted on 06/30/2004 10:08:15 PM PDT by Dems_R_Losers
In Saddam Hussein's Iraq, courts counted for nothing, while fear, death and vengeance were the only laws of the land. A new Iraq must be built on more solid foundations: democracy and the rule of law. One of the first challenges will be bringing Saddam Hussein to justice. His trial can be a significant step toward the rule of law — or a detour back to the rule of revenge. He should have a fair trial under an elected government applying the relevant principles of Iraqi and international law.
Mr. Hussein and 11 top associates will be formally charged today with crimes against humanity before a special tribunal established by the American occupation authorities last December and led by Salem Chalabi, a nephew of Ahmad Chalabi. Trying the accused properly will take many months — and not just because the accused need time to prepare a legal defense. These trials are an opportunity to unravel the mysteries and crimes of the Baathist era, including the secret mass graves and the true story of unconventional weapons programs, to determine where criminal responsibility rests in the chain of command.
The actual trials should not begin until an elected government takes power, a step planned for next January. Starting them sooner might produce political dividends for the appointed Iraqi interim government or the Bush re-election campaign. But it would not serve justice or help restore Iraq's standing in the international community.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
I'd like to see Jean Chretien's name added to your list.
Clinton would have to get a law license. Who would give him one?
I see an October surprise in the form of a public hanging in Baghdad.
What a joke NYTimes has become.
LOL!!!!!!!!
France
Had the NYT stopped after the first sentence, I maybe, might have, possibly could have agreed with them. Alas, the next two sentences reveal their true motivation - and it has nothing to do with benefiting the Iraqi people.
Most important right now is that the Iraqi people have tangible evidence that they are indeed in control of Iraq's destiny, and they no longer need fear Saddam or his henchmen. The best way to accomplish this IMO is to give Saddam and his buddies speedy trials.
The effects of these trials will have very far-reaching effects, most notably the immediate empowerment of Iraqis. They will see that they no longer need to live in fear of despots and terrorists. They will collectively be allowed to share and grieve with each other about the torture and murder of their loved ones. I know of nothing that can bind together a people more strongly than shared misfortune.
So let the trials commence with all speed. Let the cameras record each moment, and transmit the accounting of crimes to the entire world. Let all despots watch the proceedings and quake with fear...for once Freedom is unleashed and savored by the oppressed, it is impossible to stop.
Brokaw for Kerry VP?
That's very noble of the New York Times to suggest, but I doubt the suggestion will carry much weight in Iraq.
Media Schadenfreude and Media Shenanigans PING
However, I believe the PM has already said that he doesn't expect the trial to begin until next year.
So what's the point of this article .. except for another chance to reinforce "this can't be good for Bush".
The Old Gray Whore, the fading, former "paper of record" is absolutely shameless. Fortunately, few serious news gatherers pay it much attention anymore. I just wish the paper would hurry up and die.
BTTT
THEY'RE SOVEREIGN, YOU DIMWITS. GEORGE W. GETS THE TINIEST FRACTION OF A SAY IN HOW THEY RUN THINGS NOW. ZIP YOUR TRAP WITH THE "PUPPET REGIME" EUROCRAP.
What happened to Saddam's right to a speedy trial?
What a bunch of crap that is in the NYT...so transparent of them.
So the New York Times wants to tell the Iraqi government how to run their country? I thought WE were supposed to stay out of it?! I guess the New York Times can't help themselves. Their advice is so much more important than what the Iraqi people think. /sarcasm
If the NYTimes was any more biased, they would be the Taliban.
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