Whether we was or not it does not change the facts that he was a secularist and Westernizer. And he was not alone among our "friends" in Middle East to have unhealthy sympaties.
Are you really suggesting he had Iraq on an enlightened path to liberty and peace?
Baath policy of secularism, emancipation of women, universal education focused on science, sooner or later would produce modern society with expanded freedoms.
Tell me how the present reforms in Iraq will do this job better?
Let me see if I have this right. You believe that Saddam would have brought about the same reforms (only better) than an elected government should?
You believe because he said he was "secular" he would have avoided the fate of every other secular leaders in the area, like the Shah of Iran, Sadat in Egypt, the King of Jordan, Kaddaffi, the head of Syria, the government of Turkey? Hell, the fate of every "secular" country with a large moslem population.
And, on top of these insights, you agree with the laughably named "Age of Reason" that to appease the terrorists we should all live in caves like goat-herders. It's not so bad. We'll all be better for it.
Have I got that right? God, what is going on here? Has Moby sent out memos?