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SADDAM HUSSEIN'S EXECUTION
MESSAGE: Saddam Hussein's sentencing was the result of a fair judicial process that was denied the Iraqi people under his regime.
KEY POINTS:
Significance of the Execution
• Saddam Hussein was executed after a fair trial and appellate review - the kind of justice he denied the victims of his brutal regime.
• Saddam's trial was conducted by Iraqis under Iraqi law, and reflects the Iraqi people's determination to live in a society under the rule of law.
• Bringing Saddam Hussein to justice will not end the violence in Iraq, but it is an important milestone on Iraq's course to becoming a democracy that can govern, sustain, and defend itself, and be an ally in the War on Terror.
Handling of the Execution
• The U.S. role was limited to the security and transportation of Saddam as has been the case since he has been in custody; Iraq has always maintained legal custody.
• By the decision of the Government of Irag, we returned him to Iraqi control at the prison facility at which point our involvement ended.
• The manner in which the execution was conducted was unsatisfactory in some respects, and the Iraqis have begun an investigation to determine where there were shortcomings.
Approved by: USD(P) 08JAN07