Update: Hussein Sentenced To Hang

Saddam Hussein was sentenced to hang today for crimes against humanity in connection with the killing, torturing and deportation of hundreds of Shi'ites in 1982. Throughout Iraq Shi'ites celebrated , while some of Saddam's fellow Sunnis erupted in violence.

Some have said the timing of the verdict was manipulated by the US to coincide with Tuesday's elections. The White House has denied this, saying that this trial was run by the Iraqis. Others have called this victor's justice, which is in a sense true. If the US had not gone in and removed Saddam, chances are he never would have been tried for his crimes. However, it doesn't make the decision incorrect in my book. Saddam and his government lashed out repeatedly against those that opposed him. Speaking of which, Saddam will continue to stand trial for genocide of Iraq's third Islamic group, the Kurds. Either way, under Iraqi law I believe Saddam will be executed within 30 days of today's judgment, following what I can only assume will be an unsuccessful appeal.

For more check out Reuters, the AP, and the RNW.