Hussein Executed: Iraq Receives a Measure of Justice

Shortly after 06:00 local time (22:00 EST), Iraq executed their former President Saddam Hussein by hanging at the death chamber in Kazimiyah. A 2.5 cm x 3 m rope and the force of gravity finally delivered a measure of justice to the Iraqi people who have suffered and continue to suffer as a result of his nearly quarter-century of rule. While his sentence was carried out for the 148 victims of the 1982 Dujail massacre, the survivors of his thousands of other victims elsewhere in Iraq, Kuwait and Iran should take comfort that Hussein has finally been brought to account for his heinous actions. Blessed with abundant resources and a rich cultural heritage, Iraq could have been the modern, progressive nation befitting the place which gave us Hammurabi's Code and the basis of Western Civilization. The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, from their marshland deltas (which Hussein destroyed) to their sources in the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan, should sparkle as ribbons of prosperity which would be the envy and demonstrate the best of the Islamic world. Instead, Hussein squandered these opportunities in favor of an aggressive and unsuccessful strategy for regional dominance, which Iraq certainly could have achieved through peaceful means.

As an American, Hussein's execution (which I fully support) does not give me any deep sense of satisfaction. The fact remains that Hussein did not pose a direct threat to the United States, was effectively contained by Operations Northern and Southern Watch and any use of Iraqi WMDs on U. S. domestic or foreign interests would be met with a devastating strategic response. On the other hand, Osama bin Laden and his top associates are responsible for the deaths of over 3 000 U. S. citizens in the 2001-09-11 and other terrorist strikes. Our efforts should be focused on bringing bin Laden to justice after his appalling and numerous attacks on our nation and world. While Hussein was clearly among the worst dictators the world has seen, I don't feel passionate enough to pull the lever, especially since Iraq and her neighbors suffered the most from his actions. However, I'd gladly sign up to inject a few dL of justice into bin Laden's veins, as he inflicted mass-murder less than 250 km from where I sit right now. Nevertheless, I fully support coalition forces in their efforts to stabilize both Iraq and Afghanistan, as a sustainable peace depends on their success.

Blessed Eid ul-Adha and may God bless Iraq and North America.

NOTE: Iraqi flag is from the CIA's The World Factbook.

Iraq Executes Saddam Hussein

Iraq has executed former President and convicted killer Saddam Hussein. Details and analysis to follow.

Saddam Hussein's Death Sentence Upheld

The countdown to former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's execution has begun. Hussein's single appeal with the Iraqi Appeals Court has expired, which means that the former dictator and convicted killer's execution date must be set no later than 2007-01-27. While his execution warrant must be signed by the Iraqi Executive (which contains capital punishment opponents), indications are that this will be completed quickly. In contrast to U. S. executions, Hussein's execution by hanging will likely not be preceded by extensive media coverage. In an effort to control the sectarian violence which may result from Hussein's execution, the sentence will probably be carried out at an undisclosed time and a government press release will announce its completion.

Despite the questions of fairness surrounding his trial, Saddam Hussein's death sentence is just and should be carried out quickly to provide a measure of closure to the thousands of families whose wounds still run deep. While Hussein is still a co-defendant in other trials in Iraq, his execution will not deny victims justice. Surviving co-defendants will still face their accusers and must still serve whatever sentence Iraqi courts impose. The world needs to hear the truth about the actions of Hussein's regime and their real effects on people.

These lessons should encourage consistency in terms of which governments we enlist in promoting our interests abroad. In this War on Terror, will we ally ourselves with governments which do not share our fundamental values for short-term gain (as we did with Hussein against Iran in the past) or will we stand firm and build a sustainable peace for doing so? We can no longer afford to fight the wars of this generation and create the conditions for the next in the process. North America and her allies are in this fight for a better future. Let us make sure that this better future lasts.

Gerald Ford: 1913 - 2006

Former President Gerald Ford (R) has died at age 93. As the United States' 38th (and only unelected) President, Ford is largely remembered for attempting to heal the wounds left by the Watergate scandal and pardoning former President Richard Nixon (R). In a statement this morning, President George W. Bush (R) described Ford as a "true gentleman who reflected the best in America's character." He is survived by his wife, former First Lady Betty Ford, and their children.

Merry Christmas!

The Canadian-American wishes everyone a Merry Christmas! Enjoy your time with family and friends and let us rejoice in the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. While anytime is appropriate, this is another excellent opportunity for us to recommit ourselves to doing His will, by loving our neighbors as we love ourselves.

God Save the Queen

Some have rightfully commented on my mention of Her Majesty in my previous post. Since she is the Queen of Canada, I have nothing but respect for her. My previous suggestion regarding Her Majesty's citizenship and residency is based on warm intentions. She should indeed be considered to be Canadian and codifying this would draw her loyal subjects closer to her. In addition, a 2 - 3 month annual residency in Canada would make her more accessible to her subjects and strengthen the relationship between Sovereign and realm. It would be a tremendous cultural asset for Canadians to be able to experience the pageantry and ritual which some United Kingdom citizens may take for granted. While I am sympathetic to the republican movement for many reasons, these two reforms could mitigate several of their concerns.

Furthermore, my intention in referring to Her Majesty's shared citizenship is that the Canadian people trust her because she is their Queen. Her United Kingdom citizenship has no bearing on this trust, because she is Canada's Sovereign. Through her extensive good works in Canada, she has maintained this trust. Likewise, Her Majesty's Prime Minister is endowed with the people's trust because his or her party has been deemed through the electoral process to be the most fit to govern. As the people's advocate in government, he or she must maintain this trust through effective and accountable government.

God Save the Queen indeed and long may she reign.

Stéphane Dion and Dual-Citizenship

The blogs are abuzz with healthy debate on the implications of Liberal leader Stéphane Dion's dual citizenship with France. While the concerns expressed are well-intentioned, it raises the issue of consistency.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the Queen of Canada, the Nation's Head of State and a citizen of the United Kingdom. While this may justifiably be a concern for some members of the Québecois and Acadian communities, I highly doubt that the majority of Canadians question Her Majesty's commitment to the continued strength of the Dominion. While I would support legislation to require the British Monarch to be a citizen of each of his or her realms and reside in each for an appropriate percentage of the year (in addition to an active Governor General), the absence of such indicates that the majority of Canadians are comfortable with a foreign citizen holding the Nation's top office.

Some have expressed reservations about the possibility of divided allegiances which may be created through dual-citizenship. The holders of all major public offices should expect close scrutiny of their activities and the complications which may be introduced by their citizenship status are certainly not exempt from thorough examination. In the case of Dion, I would expect Franco-Canadian relations to change at a rate which is commensurate with conditions. Any aberrations on this file should lead to a motion of no confidence and the defeat of a Dion government. However, as long as he stays above board on this issue, this should not be a major impediment to him becoming and staying Prime Minister. These impediments are to be found in his policy viewpoints, which should become clearer during Question Period as well as the next election.

Stéphane Dion Elected Liberal Leader

The Liberal Party of Canada has elected Stéphane Dion as leader in last weekend's leadership convention. The Canadian-American congratulates him for his achievement and hopes that he will help encourage rational debate in the House of Commons. However, this blog also hopes he will living at Stornoway for the foreseeable future.

A former Environment Minister, a major plank in Dion's platform is environmental protection. While fighting threats such as global warming is essential, Dion supports doing so through dubious means, including the Kyoto (his dog's name) Protocol. And of course, 12 y of Liberal government has done little to help Canada meet its emissions targets. Instead of viewing Kyoto as the standard for addressing one of our century's greatest challenges, North America (in cooperation with its economic partners) needs to accelerate its transition away from fossil fuels at the fastest rate its innovators can provide. Simply meeting artificial targets should be viewed as mediocrity and dithering where we can afford none.

While he has a clean record, Dion's ties to the Chrétien government does not inspire confidence in the Liberal Party's leadership. Clearly, it is not the desire of the party elite to bring in fresh leadership. The Canadian people didn't send the Liberals to the penalty box in the last election to get more of the same in the next.

While the Canadian electorate is ultimately charged with making this assessment, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has demonstrated the strength of his leadership throughout his 10 month tenure. He has consistently articulated a Canada which is strong yet compassionate, one which leads rather than follows and one which remembers its traditions. For these and additional reasons, The Canadian-American once again renews its support for Prime Minister Harper and wishes him a majority in the next election, whenever it takes place.