Hussein's trial marks beginning of new Iraq

Those who talk about lost lives and the futility of the war in Iraq should pause for a moment and see this change, a change two years ago Iraqis thought impossible. Their fear of Saddam Hussein and his sons were so high that they refused to say they believed Uday and Quasay were dead till photos of their lifeless bodies were shown. Iraqis did not have the freedom even to express minor dissent against the dictator - forget making documentaries such as "Fahrenheit 9/11" during his regime. As we hug our loved ones in the free world, many Iraqi mothers are still searching for their sons courtesy of Saddam Hussein. Strangely, freedom never comes easy and also it is the reason we value it so much.

While millions of Iraqis may want to see the former dictator put to death for atrocities he unleashed on his own people, the people of Iraq should be shown in unambiguous terms the workings of a fair judicial system. The trial of Saddam Hussein is also a trial for Iraq and its people. As mostly an American-backed system, the credibility of the United States will rest on how fair and open this trial is.

The Federal Bureau of Investigations and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents from the Justice Department are leading the investigations against Hussein, while the American military will continue to guard him.

The trial will also expose another side of the man who ruled Iraq with an iron fist for 23 years. No one expects Hussein to face the Iraqi Special Tribunal with the same authority he exhibited until his fall. His pompous talk in court is only a ploy to distract himself from facing the truth. The world knows the truth, it is only a matter of time before the evidence is presented in court.

As witnessed Thursday, the former dictator would call himself "the president of Iraq," may accuse the Americans and President Bush as the real criminals and portray himself as a martyr. He might do everything except answer the seven broad charges against him: the killing of religious figures in 1974; gassing of Kurds in Halabja in 1988; killing the Kurdish Barzani clan in 1983; killing members of political parties in the last 30 years; the 1986-88 "Anfal" campaign of displacing Kurds; the suppression of the 1991 uprisings by Kurds and Shiites and the 1990 invasion of Kuwait.

There are challenges ahead for those who assumed responsibilities in Iraq. The outcome will also play a role in shaping the image of America around the world. Failed intelligence and false claims characterize the campaign for Iraq. The handover of sovereignty has restored some credibility. Our responsibility does not end there.

The handover of Iraq and quick beginning of Saddam Hussein's trial indicates the United States intends to end the occupation. However, pulling out coalition troops now will undo the good deeds done. Iraq's security forces are not yet ready to assume full control. While the goal is to recruit 33,000 Iraqi troops, only 9,000 enlisted. The handover may drive a sense of urgency into some Iraqis who want to rebuild their nation.

The presence of coalition troops may serve as a reason for insurgents to run amok. But these are the elements that have no desire to let Iraqis enjoy peace and freedom and they will have to eliminated.

As the American presidential election campaign heats up, the small achievements in Iraq are likely to be blown out of proportion and significant ones frowned upon. We may debate the credibility of intelligence and the motive that launched the United States into this war, but there cannot be two arguments if Iraq deserved freedom.

Ram Venkatraman's column appears every Friday. He can be contacted at ram@smdailyjournal.com