Final Balance

All in all, Saddam Hussein got a pretty good deal. A swift death. Never answered for most of his crimes after a life of luxury and absolute power. I'm sure he would have preferred to die in his own bed surrounded by loving family but he was enough of a realist and cynic to know that was unlikely, given the history of his country and the fate of his predecessors. His last act would certainly please his megalomania--front page news around the world, lengthy obituaries, a corpse that will requires special handling and remembered loyaly by the Sunni minority whom he favored so lavishly.

Someone mentioned on NPR this morning that many Shi'a and Kurds were not happy about Saddam's quick end and would have preferred something more along the lines of his own tortures. Perhaps many would have purchased new drills for the occasion. I read somewhere previously that volunteers for the gallows crew were plentiful and no doubt we'll hear some firsthand accounts of the proceedings.

Some unpleasantness along the way and exiting but, on balance, Saddam would be pleased. He did not rule as long as his model, Josef Stalin, but he was certainly noticed.

His death is the end of a chapter but after three years of occupation and war, Saddam Hussein is far less relevant to Iraq's futre. He will certainly remain an icon for his supporters but his death will have little effect on a country in civil war. Today's hanging is no more of a critical event than the day soldiers pulled him from his hiding hole.