The reaction of the Irish media to Saddam's capture yesterday has been a mixture of the real and the surreal. Morning Ireland illustrated this perfectly. Just after 8am they had on Professor William Shabbas, who was talking about Saddam's rights, etc. Professor Shabbas is concerned that Saddam will be subjected to a show trial like Ceausescu received. I don't remember being at all concerned about how Ceausescu was treated by the Romanian people. I'll be equally unconcerned about Saddam if the Iraqis try him themselves.
Professor Shabbas also said that Saddam's best game plan now would be to demand that he is treated as laid out by the European Convention on Human Rights. Professor Shabbas believes that the British presence in Iraq entitles Saddam to the protection of the Convention.
I kept waiting to hear David Hanly burst out laughing at the nonsense this guy was spouting.
Immediately after Professor Shabbas, Ayab Nouri, an Iraqi journalist was interviewed. He said - sensibly - that most Iraqis do not believe that Saddam requires a normal trial because there is no doubt of his guilt. He wants a trial in Iraq and then an execution. This does not worry me in the least.
Later I listened to Gerry Ryan for a few minutes, who also was saying some bizarre things. He kept referring to the fact that Saddam was captured in the British area of Iraq. Yet, Tikrit is in the north of the country, which is controlled by the US. The British are in control in the south around Basra.
The best of all, however, was finding out that it was an "Irishman" who led the military operation to capture Saddam. Now all Irish people can feel good about themselves when they see the Iraqis celebrating. No need for anyone to second-guess that decision to march in February!
