Imagine if the Nuremberg war crimes trials had been conducted in the same manner as the trial of Saddam Hussein, it is very conceivable that high-ranking Nazis like Herman Goring would have gone free. The trial of Saddam Hussein is a joke in every sense of the word. The session today was again cancelled coming only days after the lead judge in the case was replaced.

On the few occasions when the trial does take place, it is nothing more than a grand standing opportunity for Saddam and his henchmen. There is no order in this court; there is no semblance of justice and thus no hope for a fair trial and a meaningful outcome. Such a mockery of justice would never be allowed to happen in even the most kangarooiest of kangaroo courts. This trial was designed, not only to punish Saddam and his architects of death and destruction but also close the door on this dark chapter of Iraqi history, signaling to the Iraqi people that a new era had begun.

Rather than closing a chapter, this trial has long since denigrated into a circus, with Saddam Hussein as the master of ceremonies. With the results being less than favorable to say the absolute least. The people of Iraq, if they haven’t already, will soon develop a contempt at the mere hint of the term “rule of law.” Gone are the days when Iraqis could hope for meaningful reform and closure. This trial has taught the Iraqis that Saddam Hussein still carries power and influence, even while in shackles, perhaps even lending credence to the Islamic insurgency.

Both the Iraqi government officials and the US are to blame for this travesty. By giving Hussein a forum, he is able to position himself as a martyr, Hussein is able to coerce and manipulate his audience. In no criminal trial anywhere in the world would the accused be allowed to carry on as Hussein has. At this point the authorities might as well let Saddam go and give him his standard villa in the South of France, which is traditional fare for ousted dictators.
http://www.forbes.com/business/manufacturing/feeds/ap/2006/01/24/ap2471289.html