The free press and bringing democracy

Please do me a favor, and try to remember the tone of the CNN and BBC announcing the execution of Saddam, breaking-news style. Come on, it was just a few days ago. Here, I'll help you:

"He was terrified, broken.."

"Helpless at the noose.."

"Democracy wins.."

"Beginning of a new era.."

Remember? And just look at how things turned now. Everyone's trying to back out and blame someone else for the inhuman lynching that really was.

This is a more recent take from the CNN:

U.S. officials reportedly tried to delay last week's execution of Hussein, fearing it would fuel perceptions the death of the former Iraqi dictator was more about Shiite retribution and less about justice. It was a caution that fell on deaf ears, however, as Prime Minister al-Maliki, a Shiite, was determined to put Hussein to death before the beginning of the Eid al-Adha holiday.

Now that's very convincing, how thoughtful of the US.

This is the Iraqi puppet PM Maliki speaking, after the execution:

Asked whether he would accept a second term in office, Mr Maliki replied: "Impossible.

"I wish I could be done with it even before the end of this term. I would like to serve my people from outside the circle of senior officials, maybe through the parliament or through working directly with the people," he said.

"I didn’t want to take this position. I only agreed because I thought it would serve the national interest, and I will not accept it again."

Sounds like a tough guy, eh? Can anyone believe the crap that this poor man had enough guts to put Saddam to death, despite US interception (according to the CNN story), and at the eve of a religious holiday?

Bullshit.. Saddam was not executed, he was silenced. And in the most "inelegant" way. And clearly by the US warlords, not by some PM-wannabe (or don't-wannabe, even). If you're wondering what Saddam could have told the world hadn't he been "dealt with" in such haste, you might find clues at a previous post. (and here's a post that covers the "execution" itself)

And if I may, I'd recommend another great post, by River:

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America the savior… After nearly four years and Bush's biggest achievement in Iraq has been a lynching. Bravo Americans.
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And no- not the celebrations BBC are claiming. With the exception of a few areas, the streets are empty.
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Muwafaq Al Rubai was said he was "weak and frightened". Apparently, Rubai saw a different lynching because according to the video they leaked, he didn't look frightened at all. His voice didn't shake and he refused to put on the black hood. He looked resigned to his fate, and during the heckling he looked as defiant as ever. (It's quite a contrast to Muhsin Abdul Hameed's public hysterics last year when the Americans raided his home.)
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There are already some concerned voices in some European countries. What's the big news? The Yankees just screwed up —again..