Saddam’s trial a double-edged sword for the United States

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/focusoniraq/2005/October/focusoniraq_October85.xml§ion=focusoniraq&col=

WASHINGTON - US officials might see the trial of Saddam Hussein opening on Wednesday as helping to justify an increasingly unpopular Iraq war, but it could end up as a double-edged sword for them, analysts said. snip

Officials also braced for the possibility that Saddam’s defense strategy may include highlighting past US support for the dictator whom Washington later demonized and chased from power.

Jane Arraf, of the Council of Foreign Relations think tank, predicted that the administration of President George W. Bush “will do everything they can to capitalise” on the long-awaited trial.

Some US officials have speculated the trial could dredge up some embarrassing history for the United States, which wooed Saddam in the 1980s as an ally against Iran before turning on him when he invaded Kuwait in 1990.

They wonder what could come out if Saddam was allowed to speak freely or call witnesses such as US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who was sent as a US envoy to Baghdad 22 years ago...

[Oversea Visitor]

1. KANGROO COURT

send hime to Hague hey.

[NNN0LHI]

2. Send him and anyone who ever encouraged him to the Hague

That includes Poppy Bush, Donald Rumsfeld and the whole bunch.

Don

[Oversea Visitor]

4. Hehe

but they got a more exciting date real hot date somewhere in the future.

[mrfrapp]

7. The Hague

This is what I can't understand. Why isn't he being tried in the Hague? After all, Milosovic is being tried there on similar charges.

[Oversea Visitor]

8. Saddam

hehe know too much. Also the whole cabal will get call to present themselves at Hague and that they are all scare off hey.

[NNN0LHI]

9. Because he would be able to call witnesses there n/t

[G_j]

3. call witnesses such as Rumsfeld,

that could be interesting

[Rex]

5. Where are those WMDs?

Saddam should make it a point that everyone knows WHY we invaded; to bring Democracy to Iraqi! Yup.

[DemonFighterLives]

6. I heard he was not going to be allowed to call witnesses

And basically is going to be charged with 130 something murders in one town. He could be sentenced and killed very soon after.
The Hague would do more justice. Whatever he did and needs to be tried for, he does not deserve a ramrod trial and death. Basically no facts will actually come out, meaning Rummy and the boys are safe.
Does anyone think dubya would allow any more bad stuff to escape the memory hole?