In Iraq, Democracy = Farce

The trial of Saddam Hussein, what should be a showcase for the rule of law, has thusfar been nothing of the kind. First, witnesses were too scared to show up, which gives some idea of how little faith Iraqis have that even the Green Zone is secure. Now, lawyers are failing to show up for fear of their lives. Farce is the only word that comes to mind.

Far from showcasing justice and democracy in the new Iraq, the trial of Saddam and his seven henchmen descended rapidly into farce yesterday as lawyers failed to show, translators held up proceedings in the search for a magnifying glass and the defendants, led by the deposed dictator, mounted successive rebellions until — after two hours — the weary judge adjourned proceedings for another week.

Iraqis watching the hearing on television were stunned. “I can’t believe that this is what they are calling the trial of the century,” Abu Saleh, a customer at a coffee shop said. “It’s weak, it’s unprofessional, it’s as though nothing was planned.”

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