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Posted on 11/29/2005 3:30:09 PM PST by governsleastgovernsbest
Who is behind the killings of Saddam's defense lawyers?
As we know, when terrorist assassinations occur, various groups often jostle to take 'credit.' But unless I'm mistaken, no group has claimed responsibility for these killings.
A classic method of deducing the guilty party is, excuse my French, "a qui profite le crime?" - who profits from the crime?
In this case, it's hard to see anyone profiting. Let's review the players:
Saddam himself - why would he want to kill the people trying to save his neck?
Saddam's Sunni supporters - Ditto. I suppose they might just generally want to sow chaos and prove the government is generally incompentent, and specifically incapable of providing security.
Government supporters/Saddam-haters - sure, they hate Saddam. But isn't it in their interest to see that he receives a fair trial?
Your thoughts?
Probably Saddam.
What is strange is that not only have their been no claims, to my knowledge, of responsibility, but the media and talking heads haven't been speculating on the matter.
No one has harmed Saddam's lead attorney. The other attorney's were involved in the case, but representing others, not Saddam.
What would be Saddam's motivation? Throw a monkey wrench in the whole process? Create delays and hope that he can survive long enough to be freed if the US bugs out of Iraq and the his supporters regain power?
OK, but again, what would be the motivation to kill these people?
Muslims.
Adel Mohammed Abbas represented former vice president Taha Yassin Ramadan.
Saadun Janabi represented Awad Ahmad al-Bandar.
Tamer Hammud Hadi (who was shot but not kiiled) helps with the defense of Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti.
Hmm, so you're definitively ruling out Christian relief workers? ;-)
Sure. Have the lawyers killed, then claim he can't get a fair trial. It's the old trick of killing the parents then asking the judge for mercy because you're an orphan.
Change of venue perhaps
Saddam has delusions of grandeur. He thinks he is the Emperor of Iraq, the reincarnation of ancient kings, and that this whole trial business is an imposition that will soon go away when his true nature and importance are acknowledged.
My guess is that these lawyers have been assassinated by Saddam's supporters, possibly at his direction, in hopes of discrediting the legitimacy of the trial in the eyes of the world. A second motive would be that the assassinations serve to delay the trial while new lawyers are brought on board.
Saddam was convinced that he won the first Gulf War, because he survived while the U.S. pulled out. He still probably imagines that all these nuisances eventually will go away, and he will return to power. Many of his followers seem to be under similar delusions--if they are delusions. After all, the U.S. has had a history of losing patience and pulling out of such regions in the past. Then, whoever survives will take over. I don't think this will happen, but there's at least a grain of possibility that it might, if he can hold out until 2008.
Yep.
Not that there was any doubt as to Saddam's complete ruthlessness, but killing your own lawyers, people who are trying to save your life, is about as cold-blooded as it gets.
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Sound analysis, IMO.
PS: you were excellent in HBO's 'Rome.' ;-)
Is Ramsey Clark clinically insane, deeply evil, or some combo thereof?
" but again, what would be the motivation to kill these people?"
maybe they represented co-defendents who were going to save their own butts by spilling some critical beans on saddam.....maybe they even suggested this to the co-defendants.....if this is the case, other attorneys would not likely plan on the same..
just a guess...
I guess the Dali Lama is off the hook too, then.
Or possibly acts of revenge from surviving family members who may think that defending these men is inexcusable.
But I think the change of venue idea is more likely.
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