Posted on 11/06/2006 8:37:28 AM PST by seanmerc
New York Times calls for deferring Saddam's execution Nov 06 8:13 AM US/Eastern
The New York Times called for the deferment of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein's execution, saying Iraq had not received "full justice." The newspaper, which is opposed to the death penalty, said Iraq not only needed to hold Saddam fully accountable for his atrocities but also to heal and educate the nation he "ruthlessly divided."
The toppled Iraqi leader was sentenced Sunday to die by hanging for ordering the deaths of 148 Shiite residents of Dujail, north of Baghdad, after a 1982 assassination attempt.
"But Iraq got neither the full justice nor the full fairness it deserved," it said in an editorial.
"President Bush overreached in calling the trial 'a milestone in the Iraqi peoples efforts to replace the rule of a tyrant with the rule of law.'"
The paper expressed regret that dominant Shiite and Kurdish politicians "have been determined to use Mr. Hussein's trial and punishment to further their own political ends, as Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki has continued to do in recent days."
The editorial called for deferring the death penalty "long enough to allow the completion of a second trial, in which Mr. Hussein is charged with ordering genocidal massacres against the Kurds."
The Wall Street Journal meanwhile said the the verdict was "one admirable legacy of the American sacrifice in Iraq."
"But to make it permanent, the US must also defeat the insurgency that battles on in Saddam's name," it said in an editorial.
"No matter what happens in Tuesday's election (in the United States), the US commander in chief who ended Saddam's tyranny has to find a strategy and generals who will finish the job."
In the view of The Washington Post, the trial, while imperfect, will help advance Iraq's democracy.
"In the short term, Saddam Hussein's conviction and eventual execution may worsen Iraq's civil conflict," The Post said.
"His trials nevertheless may come to be seen as milestones in the slow and painful attempt to construct a more civilized Iraq from the poisonous wreckage of his regime."
I'm surprised that the NYT didn't also call for his release so that "healing" can proceed.
I call for the arrest and hanging of Pinchie.
He has lived too long. America would be much better off with his demise.
I'm only surprised that they didn't call for Saddam's outright release and reinstatement as Leader of Iraq.
Let the paper of record have a mock trial after Saddam is executed if it makes them feel better.
No, I am not surprised that the NY Times made such a statement. I AM surprised that they now think anyone cares and that somehow they should weigh in on this.
I'm surprised they haven't hired Saddam as a journalist. 'Inside the American Torture Chambers' by Saddam Hussein.
HEADLINE THE DAY AFTER: "NYT Moves To The Right"
Hey, we could even throw Helen Thomas in to sweeten the deal...
If you can believe it, only two days ago I was joking around with my father saying the New York times will demand he not be executed...I don`t know if I feel shocked or not suprised.. I guess I wasn`t fully aware how absolutely incredibly out in left field this New York times is.
The NYT's can go to hell!
Who asked them?!!!
Lets hang that homo Pinch from a lamp post on 42st while we're at it.
I'm surprised that they didn't demand that the appeal be delayed until all US troops are withdrawn.
Saddam's only hope now is a Kerry or Clinton win in 2008.
There, I fixed it.
Fascinating that they would even publish this editorial on the day before the midterms.
I can live with a deferment until say Nov 1 2008
What? They want to take up an office collection for the guy?
Ummm, they will AFTER they stretch his neck.
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