This topic just came up on the Off Topic Thread and I thought it deserves it's own thread instead of bogging down our semi-chat thread where things tend to be a little on the lighter side.
OK should we start a pool and place bets on just when Saddam will hang. According to CNN last reports he could be executed within hours because tomorrow is an Islamic holiday and I guess the hangman in off.

 

I just hope it doesn't lead to a blood-bath for the troops and the people of Iraq.

 

Saddam had been handed over to Iraqi custody. The Iraqi government is in emergency session discussing security measures for after his execution. CNN is reporting the execution appears emmenent But I don't think there are any measures that will keep the blood from flowing.

 

One of his lawyers was just on CNN reporting that Saddam has been turned over and that they can no longer see him...

 

repost from off topc

Why do we need to sink to this barbaric level? The allies kept Hemann Goering in prison so why not Saddam?

Also, he asked to be shot rather than hanged, should we (sorry Iraq govt) honour that request if the death sentence is carried out?

This is an opportunity for the new government of Iraq to demonstrate humanity and compassion, also that they are not a puppet. They should commute the sentence and take the moral high ground

You mean their government is pandering to populist demands however wrong. Hmm they are getting the hang of this democracy stuff....

Not much chance of clemency.............

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki said there would be no delay in carrying out the death sentence.
"No-one can oppose the decision to execute the criminal Saddam," Mr Maliki was quoted by AFP as saying. "Those who reject the execution of Saddam are undermining the dignity of Iraq's martyrs."
.

 

US state dept say he is still in their hands. 18:42 GMT

 

I just love CNN. They are now reporting they are not sure that Saddam has been handed over to the Iraqis. What amazes me is they report their mistakes just like they were part of the news story. They also are reporting that President Bush will not comment on Saddam's impending execution.

 

Reuters reports that former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein remains in U.S. custody. The news agency quotes U.S. State Department spokesman Tom Casey as saying, "My understanding is that there's been no change in his status." The report contradicts Iraqi state television that announced Hussein had been handed over to the Iraqis for execution.

 

I cannot pray for them but I share your concern and do hope they remain safe. As an atheist I prize human life in this lifetime so am also opposed to this execution.

For those Christians that do pray should they not also be praying for Saddam:

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy; but I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.—Matthew v. 43-48.

… and perhaps most of all for the soul of the executioner who is going to break the first commandment in a premeditated killing?

 

You are pretty good at quoting the scripture for an atheist.

There is no good way to kill a person but there is a much different perspective if you are related to one of his victims. They should turn him out in the streets of Bagdad and let his loving people handle it.

Let him go peacefully, something that he didn't offer the ones he murdered. Let us never forget.

This is a learning process we call life and some day people will learn to stand up for each other rather than hiding in the shadows hoping they are not next.

 

Atheism like Christianity is a matter of belief not education. I can Google as well as anyone. I do not disrespect those who believe; I just choose not to and have as much right to say so as those who profess their faith.

I have posed this question because I am genuinely interested in what appears to me to be a uniquely Christian dilemma. The other Abrahamic religions have the 'Eye for an Eye' philosophy.

Dialogue between people of all faiths and none isn't bad is it?

 

an eye for an eye


The principle of justice that requires punishment equal in kind to the offense (not greater than the offense, as was frequently given in ancient times). Thus, if someone puts out another's eye, one of the offender's eyes should be put out. The principle is stated in the Book of Exodus as “Thou shalt give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.”
Jesus referred to this principle in the Sermon on the Mount, calling on his followers to turn the other cheek instead.

Turning the other cheek is the christian way of handling problems. Myself, I'm not very good at practicing it and I readily admit it. Perhaps if everyone could follow this practice we wouldn't live in such a hate-filled world. I don't see this happening, but I do have a few friends that can "turn the other cheek". They have my admiration to the nth degree. I will definitely pray for Saddan and his executioner, even though I have one wing in the fire; hopefully, my prayers will help their souls...All I can say, at this time, is may God have mercy on all of us...

 

Thanks, I was reading that the Vatican has joined several human rights groups in attacking the sentence, describing it as a legacy of "eye for an eye" vengeance, which is what prompted my question. They see no dilemma at all, for them the execution is wrong, black and white. I just guessed it is not such an easy call for many others.

 

No man is an island, entire of itselfEvery man is a piece of the continent, a part of the mainIf a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, As well as if a manor of thy friends or of thine own wereAny man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankindAnd therefore never send to know for whom the bell tollsIt tolls for thee. -- John Donne

 

Wonderful. Then we shall all be blind and toothless.

Tevye, in "Fiddler on the Roof"

 

If you read the rest of my post you'll see that it isn't my belief, gosh no.....We were discussing justice and what would be fair for Saddam Hussein..

 

.....an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.....

.....Gandhi

 

You and RP are absolutely right, I should've started this as a thread, and not continue on the Off-Topic thread. Sorry.

 

I don't think he should be sentenced to death, but I'm not believing that America is the puppet master of the Iraqi government, they made up their mind, it's going to happen one way or another.

 

Agreed.