This just shows the Iraqis don't have much experience hanging people. Hanging is an exact science. It was recognized early on that the length of the drop is critical. To shor a drop and the condemned's neck doesn't break so he slowly strangles to death. To much drop and the force of the fall will rip the guy's head off. I think there is a formula to use based on the weight and hight of the person to be hanged. It is also important that the knotts on the rope be lined up behind the vicims left ear to ensure a clean break of the neck.
gives the criminals something to keep their minds off the hanging for a while...
I see you have done your research. I think the weight calculations were done properly, but what may not have been factored in was that his bone density was probably significantly lower because of osteoporosis. A supporting shoulder harness could be used for hanging older people so as not to overstress the neck vertebrae.