POLITICAL REACTIONS TO THE SADDAM TRIAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 004324

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/20/2015
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KJUS KCRM IZ
SUBJECT: POLITICAL REACTIONS TO THE SADDAM TRIAL

Classified By: Political Counselor Robert S. Ford for
Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) Summary. For many Iraqis, the Saddam trial
provides a sense of relief, revenge, justice and
healing. However, some Sunni Arabs claimed that it is
a political tool to divert attention away from
referendum anomalies and the upcoming elections.
Press editorials warn that Saddam's grandstanding may
provoke violence in the streets. End Summary.

Press Reports
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2. (U) The day before the start of the trial, the
press reported on demonstrations in Saddam's hometown
of Tikrit. The demonstrators insisted that the Saddam
trial was a revenge gift from President Bush to his
father. On the day of the trial, the press reported on
demonstrators in Tikrit calling for Saddam's
execution. There were other reports of Sunni Arabs
protesting that the start date of the trial was
purposely set to focus Sunni claims of referendum
tampering and the upcoming elections.

Sunni Point of View
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3. (C) Mirroring press reports, Head of the General
Conference of Iraqi People, Adnan al-Duleimi, told
PolFSN on October 19 that it would be better not draw
attention to the proceedings so people would continue
to focus on the elections. National Dialog Council
member Saleh Mutlak told PolFSN on October 19 that
Saddam still can provoke street violence during the
run up to the elections and warned that political
parties will exploit this trial. Vice President
Shaikh Ghazi al-Yawr told PolCouns on October 19 that
the timing of Saddam's trial was unfortunate. The
nation needs to focus on establishing political
coalitions before the IECI coalition registration
deadline of October 21, not the last regime's crimes,
he claimed. Yawr added that Saddam Hussein is a very
smart man and will use this trial to grandstand.
Knowing that he will probably be executed, Saddam will
say anything to provoke the hearts of Iraqis.

VIP Gallery
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4. (C) The VIPs arrived at the Convention Center
three hours prior to the start of the trial, were
obediently stripped of cell phones and watches,
wanded, loaded onto buses and transported to the trial
site - the former International Baathist Headquarters.
With only 17 available viewing seats, Iraq Special
Tribunal (IST) Judge Ra'ed Juhi told PolOff on October
17 that it was very difficult informing many
government officials that they could not attend.


5. (C) As a courtesy, the IST invited GOI's top tier,
but both President Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister
Ibrahim Jaafari were out of town. The most senior
person representing the PM's office, Adnan Ali, told
PolOff on October 19 that the Shia still have
extremely strong emotions about Saddam. There is a
sense of relief this day has finally come and also
sense of sadness to have to relive the pain of the
past, he commented. PM Spokesperson Laith Kubba told
PolOff that this was a very historic day for Iraq and
all Iraqis, giving them a sense of closure and a new
beginning. General Secretary to the Cabinet Dr.
Khudair Abbas told PolOff that he had lobbied to be
first on the access list. He said he wanted to
witness the first step in the healing process. Both
First Deputy to the National Assembly Hussain al-
Shahristani and National Security Advisor Muwaffiq al-
Rubaei briefly told Emboffs that this is a "very
special day." IST Judge Ra'ad told PolOff that he was
proud to help fulfill a sense of duty to the Iraqi
people in helping to bring Saddam to justice. He
added that the IST team is confidant Saddam will
receive due process and a fair trial.

Satterfield