The capture of Saddam is, of course, a transformative event. The hole in which he was discovered – and those bedraggled, hobo-like photos – re-emphasize his humiliation, and can only discourage his erstwhile allies trying to restore his gang of thugs to power. But this is a moment not merely for jubilation. Take a moment to recall the hundreds of thousands of men, women and children murdered, tortured, or sent to certain deaths by this monster. Take a moment to consider those who also lost their lives deposing him. In the end, even Chirac and Schroder and Putin couldn’t save him. And the renewed focus on the single most important Iraqi weapon of mass destruction – Saddam himself – will help remind the world of the great, moral achievement of this war; and the unprecedented humanitarian effort that is now underway. No time for hubris. But plenty of time to remember what this war was about; and why it is still eminently worth winning. Congratulations, Mr President and Mr Prime Minister. In the end, this war will be viewed as your greatest achievement.
SADDAMFREUDE WATCH: Readers are invited to send in the most strained and mealy-mouthed statements from the devastated press and anti-war politicians and activists following the capture of Saddam. First up: Saddam’s paid-up British anti-war activist, George Galloway:
“This will not stop the Iraqi resistance. if anything, it may set the resistance free, if you like, from the cloud of Saddam Hussein, and transform it into a purely national resistance movement without the charge that it’s being controlled from behind by the deposed president.”
Galloway must be worried sick about what Saddam might tell the coalition. So must Chirac.
The Dish 