Comment on Iraqi Emerging Strongman
Reader comment on item: Is an Iraqi Strongman Emerging?

Submitted by Alex M Berlin (Canada), May 6, 2004 at 17:07

Saddam ruled Iraq with an iron hand and there was peace in the land. He ruled with a certain method which we all *abhor*. His generals, who enforced his rule, had the full backing of the ruling government and the army.

Presently, the former generals are are expected to pull the chestnuts out of the fire for the Americans. What will they do? What kind of action is expected of them? Surely, they cannot employ the former of methods of *pacifying* a rebellious city. Such methods would not be acceptable. But then, these are the only methods they know and the only methods that work. Look at the neighbors. Iran, Saudia, Syria, Egypt.... That's the rule. The rule of the iron fist where respect resides in the blade of a sword.

Immoral? Inhuman? Who asks. It works, does it not?
So again I ask? What will these generals do? What backing and support will they have?

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