[nicmarlo]

It seems he may have been a slave to Saddam, based on what this article says. In such a regime individuals cannot really be held to the same standards of accountability as in a country such as the United States because so often they have no choice....

I understand his circumstances; OTOH, wasn't that NOT an "allowed excuse" for the Nazi war crimes...I was following orders?

[sweetliberty]

I think there is a big difference in following orders and being a slave.