Law & Order: Trial by Iraqi Jury

We celebrate the fact that Saddam Hussein's trial has begun in Iraq this week. The 5-week recess requested by the defense will hold us in suspense for a while, but the fun will come soon enough. The prosecution's decision to accept the defendants' request for the recess was quite honorable, and we are confident that both sides will make the most of the time (we're rooting for the prosecution though). We agree that this trial is a great symbol of the emerging democracy that is the new Iraq. Indeed, how the Iraqi justice system handles itself during this time will be an exhibition of true independence by the Iraqi government. Basically, it's good to see them exercising their freedom without an American judge or lawyer feeding them lines and instructions. U.S. defense of the courthouse is sufficient involvement for Uncle Sam at this point. We send our best wishes to the Arab world as they take this step toward holding extremist tyrants accountable for crimes against humanity.
The conflict of views that will be brought to the surface through coverage of the trial may raise eyebrows, however. In an article we read via MSN today, one Iraqi call Saddam "the lesser of evils" in comparison to the newly established government. Another, who had been a political prisoner for a while under Saddam, stated that he hopes that "he is executed, and that anyone who suffered can take a piece of his flesh" (makes us feel warm and tingly inside). We hope that the people on each side of this debate soon realize that such disagreement is the fruit of democracy and can fuel a prosperous, peaceful society. While execution for certain crimes is a just penalty, we want Iraq to learn to manage itself through civil, non-murderous means to support justice and a safe society.
We hope that life is going well in your part of the world.