Yep, it's time for another trip around the horn. But this week, instead of taking some generalized issue, we are going to focus on their reactions to current events; specifically the capture of Saddam Hussein.
General Wesley Clark, who recently testified against Slobodan Milosevic, had this to say.
"Now, we now have another dictator in custody. Saddam Hussein was responsible for starting two wars in the Gulf. His forces used chemical weapons against the Kurds in Iraq and against Iran. And his government was responsible for massive human rights abuses in Iraq. Saddam's capture is good news for the Iraqi people and for the world.
Our Armed Forces and intelligence community deserves great credit for locating Saddam, tracking him down, and bringing him from his snake-hole to justice."
Clark's article also goes over how he feels the trial should be conducted. He feels that it should be held in Iraq, the sight of Saddam's crimes. Secondly, he feels experts in international law, from both the United States and other nations, should be consulted on the format of the trial. Third, he feels that Saddam should be held accountable for his impact on the international community (particularly Kuwait, Iran and the Kurds). And fourth, he feels that capital punishment should be on the table as a punishment for Saddam.
"Given the heinous nature of Saddam Hussein's crimes, I firmly believe that the death penalty should be on the table as a possible punishment. I believe that the death penalty should be applied to war criminals, those who've used chemical weapons, and those responsible for genocide. And as I believe the proceedings will show, Saddam is responsible for every single one of these heinous crimes and deserves the ultimate punishment."
One quibble. Holding Saddam responsible for his international effect may have the effect of embarrassing the United States and the Bush Administration, as it opens the door to Saddam discussion the source of his poison gas.
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