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Iraqi Civilian Deaths ... caused by Bush's unprovoked war

 

Saddam's defiance strikes chords with Iraq
(Mitchell Prothero, UPI, July 1, 2004)
Although a series of specific charges are expected to be filed before his trial begins -- which could take months to prepare for -- the broad outline made Thursday included the murder of religious figures and political appointees, displacement and genocide of the Kurdish people, and the 1990 invasion of Kuwait. . . . But in stark contract the muddy bearded figure found hiding in a "spider" hole last December by American troops, Saddam took a tone of defiance against the proceedings, even refusing to sign paperwork that he understood the charges and demanding that the judge refer to him as the president of Iraq, "because it reflects the will of the Iraqi people." . . . when the charges were outlined, Saddam became defiant on the discussion of his invasion of Kuwait. . . . "As the president of Iraq and the head of the armed forces, which went in, in an official manner," he said, according to an early translation of one portion of the exchange. . . . "Is this a right of an official of the Republic of Iraq?" he asked. "This is a matter of the presidency." . . . According to a pool report, he defended the invasion of Kuwait because "Kuwaitis were turning Iraqi women into whores for 10 dollars, should Iraqi take that? I did that for the Iraqi people. How can you defend these dogs?" . . . When reprimanded for his language by the judge who called it a legal proceeding, Saddam replied, "This is all a theater, the real criminal is Bush." . . . Upon refusing to sign the documents that laid out the broad outline of charges against him, Saddam also declared that "I object to the entire proceeding." . . . According to pool reporters in the room, Saddam's demeanor and appearance was generally impressive compared to the figure seen in his December capture. His beard was neatly trimmed and his charcoal-colored suit dapper, but without a necktie. . . . The reports indicated that he was defiant and engaged in debating various points in the proceedings and showed absolutely no remorse. Iraqi officials also said that Saddam was shocked to discover yesterday that he would be held and tried by Iraqis, who he still seems to consider his supporters. . . . But the interim Iraqi government -- which cannot make major policy changes until elections planned for next year -- faces a huge problem. U.S.-appointed administrator L. Paul Bremer, who left his post Monday, outlawed the death penalty in Iraq, an outcome that is almost mandatory in the eyes of many Iraqis. . . . even Saddam's critics seemed to take some national pride in seeing the man that ruled them for so long looking strong and defiant. . . . "To see him pathetic when he was caught was a shame on all Iraqis, because we had been so powerfully ruled by a man that seemed to be such a coward," one man said, who would not give his name. "Now this is the Saddam that we knew -- and even if you hated him -- you feel proud to see him act like a man." . . . Saddam tried to have (Prime Minister Iyad) Allawi killed with an axe," said an Iraqi who gave his name as Osama. "How can we trust them to give him a fair trial? He should be tried outside Iraq by people who he hasn't tried to kill." . . . "Saddam will never really be tried for he knows all the secrets of Bush and America," one said. "He will tell the world about them and they can't let that happen."

posted by LoZo 9:54 AM