Ladies and gentlemen, we got him. were the opening words of US administrator Paul Bremer as he announced the capture of Saddam Hussein.
As one might expect, Iraqis are jubilant.
Hundreds of Kurds rushed from their homes in Kirkuk, northern Iraq, to celebrate the ousted president's capture.
"We are celebrating like it's a wedding," said resident Mustapha Sheriff. "We are finally rid of that criminal."
Volleys of rifle fire also echoed across Baghdad as Iraqis drove around town honking their car horns and giving the V for victory sign, witnesses said.
Despite the celebrations in Baghdad, many residents remained sceptical. Mohaned al-Hasaji, 33, said: "I heard the news, but I'll believe it when I see it." "They need to show us that they really have him."
Ali Albayati, head of the Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq's London office said: "The resistance look up to him. There are still people saying he will be back.
"If he is captured, that will be the end of the whole thing.
I think this shows the mindset of most Iraqis more than anything else. I am sure Iraqis will be given all the proof they need to feel safe. Once they understand Saddam may no longer threaten them, I expect great things.
A wonderful day for freedom loving people across the world. I saw a picture of Saddam on TV, he looks ragged and apparently did not put up any fight when our troops came for him.
Obviously this event has political implications; the talking heads on TV are already talking about them, but they can wait. Today, all freedom loving people should celebrate. I will.
Regardless of one's support or opposition to the war in Iraq; I hope we can all agree that it would be a mistake to turn this into a Classical Rome-like Triumph. There are already severely mixed emotions in the non-terrorist Arab world about this; relieved he's finally caught but angry at who did it. The worst thing we can do is rub their noses in it and start boasting and crowing about it. The concept in gaming of the "good winner" really applies here.
Potshots and first thoughts:
Good job troops. The removal of the figurehead of nationalism should slow the increase in Iraqui resistance to US assimilation. That came out a lot harsher than I wanted it to. Essentially, putting myself in the place of a non-terrorized Iraqui citizen (which are a significant majority), I'd feel something like, "Yeah, he was a snake. But he was OUR snake. The new guy'll have to prove he's acting for Allah and Iraq before I'll trust him. Dang, what if he wants to try putting WOMEN into the government? Nah, they know he'd never stay in power then (I think the idea of a non-Islamic gaining power is beyond comprehension)."
Exactly what was/is our justification for incarcerating Hussein again? Violation of US law (since it's outside our jurisdiction, this doesn't seem applicable)? Crimes against humanity (but this is the UN's purview, and to the best of my knowledge we acted almost totally unilaterally concerning the pursuit of Hussein)? Because we have more guns and a President that wants re-elected (not quite the worst reason ever, but far from good)?
'We are celebrating like it's a wedding.' Lets not forget the divorce rate in the US is pretty high. We were in bed with Hussein for a few years, also. This coupled with the aforementioned weak grounds for agression gives strong roots to unease in relations to the US for other Arabic nations. Who's to say we won't come after them in a few years when a different President needs re-elected (or to avoid impeachment or cover up for a failing domestic policy)?
It's just life, don't take it too seriously.
Legoman,
I suspect we will see a brief increase in terrorist attacks, but predict they will then decline with time. Losing one’s leader is always a major blow, and other terrorist leaders have been picked up based on documents that were in Saddam’s possession when he was captured. And who knows how many other tips we will get from these new prisoners? I agree it would be nice to find Bin-Laden (assuming he is still alive), but he didn’t torture 90% of his own population, so the odds on people turning him in are somewhat less than they were for Saddam.
Megatron, I agree we should be good winners here. Although I will continue to celebrate this significant and symbolic victory.
Snapdragon,
I’ll be glad to discuss the pros and cons of going after Saddam -- and defining the term unilateral for you ;-) -- on another day. However, don’t rain on our parade now. Besides, the person making the wedding comment was an Iraqi, not a decadent Westerner. Other than Saudi Arabia, Arabian countries have much lower divorce rates than we do...
Nor would I grant the UN any moral authority – organizations that put rogue countries in charge of committees have no moral authority in my eyes. I would cheer if President Bush withdrew from the UN and started an organization of democracies in its place.
But for now, I am simply enjoying the poetic justice of a cruel dictator being forced to hide with rats in a dark basement while lice tormented his head. May all tyrants share his fate.
Non terrorized Iraquies?????? If anybody said that, he/she most be taking bad acid. Try Mexican mariguana, it's softer on your nerves ;) ALL Iraquies were terrorized man! Awake! As for me, I'm still celebrating! :)
The idea that he has been captured brings feelings of relief, pride and fear. I am relieved for the human race that such a man will not be able to re-establish his reign of terror and inhumanity. I have a great deal of pride in our troops who never relented in their pursuit; constantly putting themselves in harms way for the sake of Iraqis and all humanity. However, I am also fearful that Saddams' capture may cause a rise in the fortitude of terrorism against freedom. Terrorism does not have rational-thinking in its fiber and I fear elevated barbarism against the US and all freedom-loving people. I am glad he is no longer a threat as an individual, but his followers still remain. I do not think I will sleep any easier until Bin-Laden is captured as well. Once he is in custody, I believe that leaderless terrorist will be easily dismantled.
God Bless Our President!