The American Guide to Increasing Violence

The confirmation of Saddam's death penalty has been broadly welcomed in the Western world. It has also prompted two bizarre quotes from America and her developing franchise. The first comes from Nuri al-Maliki:

"Our respect for human rights means we must implement the execution. Whoever rejects Saddam's execution would be insulting the souls of the martyrs of Iraq."

Respect for human rights??? Excuse me while I find a bucket to be sick in. There is no way that any rational human being could justify the death penalty as a sign of respect for human rights. Mind you, Maliki does look to the US for guidance on human rights, a country that sends over 100 people to their deaths every year. And talking of the US, they hailed this verdict as a landmark in Iraq's efforts to

'to replace the rule of a tyrant with the rule of law'.

No, it's still the rule of a tyrant. The only difference is that it is a 'democratic' tyranny.

The truth is that this execution will send out one clear, audible message that will be heard around the globe. As long as you don't damage our interests, you can do whatever you want. Step out of line, and you had better be prepared to pay the consequences.

Further reading: Amnesty International's statement, Human Rights Watch and the investigation by Human Rights Watch into the validity of the trial.

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