Judge says Saddam was not a dictator

[The diplomat]

From the CNN article: http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/....ap/index.html

Questioning a Kurdish witness Thursday, Hussein said, "I wonder why this man wanted to meet with me, if I am a dictator?"

The judge interrupted: "You were not a dictator. People around you made you (look like) a dictator."

So witnesses are testifying about how Saddam ordered mass killings and the judge just says that he does not think Saddam was a dictator?

1) How can anyone say Saddam was not a dictator?
2) How can this judge say that when he is supposed to be impartial?

[Kuciwalker]

Translation issue?

[Jon Miller]

I also do not see how mass killings = dictator.

JM

[ajbera]

"You were not a dictator. People around you made you (look like) a dictator."

He's not a dictator, it's the people around him cowering in terror for fear of being tortured in prison or killed that make him look like a dictator.

[Fake Boris]

Originally posted by Kuciwalker
Translation issue?

[Winston]

Arab macho culture lending positive qualities to the position of dictator over a mere president?

[Gibsie]

If they say a leader like him is a dictator aren't they condemning most the other leaders of the region as a result? Probably best to fudge it...

[chequita guevara]

It sounded to me like the judge was saying, Hussein is just one man, and one man can't be a dictator if no one follows him. True in and of it self, but in no way absolving Hussein of any of his responsibility for his crimes.

[Wezil]

Take him out back and shoot him already.

The trial is a farce.

[PLATO]

Originally posted by Wezil
Take him out back and shoot him already.

[chequita guevara]

The trial is not about Hussein. It's about the people of Iraq getting justice. The victims of a crime should be allowed to have their time in court before the dog is dragged out back and shot.

Conservatives never seem to understand trials are about the community, not about individuals.

[Dr Strangelove]

....................and besides, a communal stoning would be so much more appropriate, don't you think?

[Tattila the Hun]

Dictator is too big a word for him. A common thug.

[Winston]

Originally posted by chegitz guevara
Conservatives never seem to understand trials are about the community, not about individuals.

Whereas commies have always been experts on flimsily generalising about their political opponents.

[chequita guevara]

That seems to be a universal trait for people of all political persuasions, Wilson.