Saddam Verdict Could Be November SurpriseNov 3, 2006 10:26 pm US/Pacific
Sunday's verdict in the trial of Saddam Hussein could be a November surprise for President Bush.
Three years after his capture, Saddam Hussein may be hanged if an Iraqi court finds him guilty of killing nearly 150 Shiite villagers while he was dictator.
Some Iraqis never thought they'd see this day. But will the first trial verdict after the U.S. invasion bring justice?
Jamal Dajani broadcasts Arab stories for American audiences at LINK TV.
"Many people believe the trial is a charade, that it has not been done with balance and fairness," said Dajani.
He says the 9-month trial was riddled with problems. Among them: Hussein's defiant outbursts and the killing of three defense lawyers.
The trial was supposed to unite Iraqis behind their new government.
"They thought perhaps if we showed Arab world or Middle East we'll bring the criminal to justice, then that will heal the divisions. Instead, it's created divisions and controversy around it," Dajani said.
With sectarian violence already soaring, Iraq's army is preparing for a bloody backlash, whatever the verdict.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says his Shiite party expects nothing less than a death sentence and Hussein's fellow Sunnis may launch attacks if he gets it.
"Believe me, the doors of hell will be opened in Iraq and its neighbors of Iraq," said defense lawyer Ziyad Kheleel Annajdawi.
Hussein's lawyers complain Sunday's verdict was timed to give President Bush and the Republicans a boost two days before close congressional elections.
CBS 5 Political Analyst Joe Tuman said, "I'm sure the administration hoped and hopes it will be vindication of their policies because they got Saddam Hussein."
But more bloodshed could fuel Democrats' attacks against the war.
Polls show seven in 10 Americans don't think President Bush has a plan for Iraq.
"For those people who still worry about terrorism in this country, the question remains whether or not our being in Iraq assists us in fighting or gives terrorists a distraction and doesn't make us any safer," Tuman said.
Arab media are giving unprecedented attention to the midterm elections, even more coverage than the presidential elections in Egypt and Yemen.
Arabs hope Democrats win Congress and change U.S. foreign policy to pull out of Iraq.
