Foreign Policy

Plot to Rocket Saddam Trial Uncovered

December 4, 2005 ⋅  E-Mail Article ⋅  Print Article ⋅ Post a comment

Many say that we are in total control of the Green Zone in Iraq; others say that as the insurgency lingers on it is becoming bolder in its actions in and around the Green Zone. Just how safe is it to try Saddam Hussein in the Green Zone, and will his trials’ outcome have any affect on the current situation in Iraq?

The Green Zone is a 4 mile² area in central Baghdad that is the main base for coalition officials, as well as Iraqi government officials in Iraq. The Iraq interim government refers to the Green Zone as the International Zone. The Red Zone of danger refers to the outlying Iraqi land outside the Green Zone.

It has been reported that Security forces have found long-range mortars aimed at the Saddam trial location, the mortar launchers are reportedly staged in a Baghdad suburb. The group reportedly responsible is actually a Sunni group known as the 1920 Revolution Brigade. Why a Sunni group would target the Saddam trial is unknown, many believe it is a way to cause fear and confusion amongst the predominantly Shia members of the interim Iraqi government.

Regardless of where the trial takes place, many feel the prosecution, and execution of punishment, for Saddam will not be of any effect to the current situation in Iraq. Government officials point out that metering justice to Saddam will show people in the Middle East that democracy has taken root and that the ways of the past are changing. Others say that Saddam has already been marginalized and his trial serves no purpose in relation to the stabilization of Iraq.

There is no denying that Saddam will be tried, and he most likely will receive a lengthy, if not lethal, sentence, for his alleged crimes against humanity. The question is, ‘Where should the trial take place to make sure that the trial becomes nothing more than it is, a fair and honest trial for an accused criminal, not a rallying point for insurgents, or other individuals seeking to exploit the situation to further their own means? ”

Plot to Rocket Saddam Trial Uncovered

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