World

Revisiting Saddam Hussein’s trial following the Chilcot Inquiry

With the findings of the Chilcot Inquiry recently being released, it is interesting to revisit Saddam Hussein’s own words during his trial in regards to the occupation of Iraq and the search for weapons of mass destruction. In the video below (starting at the time mark of 5:18), the former dictator discusses how America and its allies lied about Iraq having chemical weapons and Iraq’s links to terrorism.

Testifying in front of the world, he was arrogant and defiant to the very end even though he was charged with premeditated murder, genocide, imprisonment and the deprivation of physical movement, forced deportation, and torture. It is evident that he used chemical weapons several times in the 1980’s, however, the US and UK failed to provide evidence of the existence of WMDs prior to the invasion. The Chilcot Inquiry states that “the judgements about the severity of the threat posed by Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction – WMD – were presented with a certainty that was not justified.” His first appearance in court was July 1, 2004 and he was executed on December 30, 2006.

You've reached your daily free article limit.

Subscribe and support our veteran writing staff to continue reading.

Get Full Ad-Free Access For Just $0.50/Week

Enjoy unlimited digital access to our Military Culture, Defense, and Foreign Policy coverage content and support a veteran owned business. Already a subscriber?

With the findings of the Chilcot Inquiry recently being released, it is interesting to revisit Saddam Hussein’s own words during his trial in regards to the occupation of Iraq and the search for weapons of mass destruction. In the video below (starting at the time mark of 5:18), the former dictator discusses how America and its allies lied about Iraq having chemical weapons and Iraq’s links to terrorism.

Testifying in front of the world, he was arrogant and defiant to the very end even though he was charged with premeditated murder, genocide, imprisonment and the deprivation of physical movement, forced deportation, and torture. It is evident that he used chemical weapons several times in the 1980’s, however, the US and UK failed to provide evidence of the existence of WMDs prior to the invasion. The Chilcot Inquiry states that “the judgements about the severity of the threat posed by Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction – WMD – were presented with a certainty that was not justified.” His first appearance in court was July 1, 2004 and he was executed on December 30, 2006.

 

Image courtesy of AP

About Desiree Huitt View All Posts

Desiree Huitt is an Army Veteran serving 11 years as a Military Intelligence officer and prior to OCS as a combat medic. She is a graduate from the University of Texas in Austin with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Middle Eastern Studies.

COMMENTS

You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.

More from SOFREP

REAL EXPERTS.
REAL NEWS.

Join SOFREP for insider access and analysis.

TRY 14 DAYS FREE

Already a subscriber? Log In