by Algy Moncrieff

Created on: December 26, 2006   Last Updated: November 17, 2010

This is not a nice man. I would like to say, "He deserves to die," but...does he?

When I stopped to think about this for a moment, I realised that no, he does not deserve to die. Executing people, whatever their crime, is purely barbaric, and it really does sicken me whether it is an innocent man or a murderous dictator. It puts us on his level. He may have murdered thousands, but killing seems just as bad.

On top of this is the somewhat cold politics of whether this will make him a martyr, but frankly it's too late. Anyone who likes him already believes him to be practically a saint (despite the fact that he was caught cowering in a hole, not leading his men in a brave last stand). It's irrational following any madman, and this is no exception. But there's no need to kill him, and it probably will lead to fresh violence.

As with the rest of Iraq, Hussein's trial seems to have gone horribly wrong - at least in my eyes. There's not much left to do except cringe and look the other way.

Pity, all the politicians are doing it too.

Learn more about this author, Algy Moncrieff.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.