Okay, let's take a snap poll. Anybody out there care about what Saddam looks like in his tighty whities? Anybody care that he's been humiliated? Hello? Hello-o...
These pictures are a lot of things, but "sensational" wouldn't be one of them. Now if the Butcher of Baghdad had been photographed in a thong, or with the underwear on his head, now that would be sensational.
Anybody want to take bets on when Andrew Sullivan voices outrage?
The problem is that if the picture is legit, it's a war crime—violation of the Geneva Conventions. We should either adhere rigidly to our treaties or abrogate them.
Posted by: Dave Schuler | May 20, 2005 at 09:56 AM
I understand and agree that this isn't a good thing to have happen, if, as you say, the picture is legit. I was just expressing American arrogance. I think most Americans will look at this and say, "Wow, that was stupid," and go on about their work. I will bet you that the people most exercised by this will be those who sat on their hands when Americans were being beheaded on film.
Posted by: Daniel Berczik | May 20, 2005 at 10:06 AM
How would that be a war crime? Even if publishing photos of Saddam is somehow a violation of the GC, the U.S. didn't publish them, the Sun did.
Posted by: thc | May 20, 2005 at 10:07 AM
thc-
I believe that it depends on who took the photos and how they got into the Sun's hands. If, for instance, the photos were taken by one of his keepers, there's trouble. If they were taken by his lawyers to garner sympathy (which is not out of the realm of possibility)that's on them. Remember, we're talking about Ramsey Clark, here.
D.
Posted by: Daniel Berczik | May 20, 2005 at 10:18 AM
It looks like Saddam's vying for Bear of the Month (warning: adult material).
I think he's HOT!
(Just slap me!) ;-)
-Steve
Posted by: Steve | May 20, 2005 at 10:45 AM
Steve,
Someone's been neglecting their meds, haven't they?
D.
Posted by: Daniel Berczik | May 20, 2005 at 11:05 AM
This is a clear violation of the GC. The GC sucks and the only one's that ever adhere to them are us. We should flush THEM down to the toilet, but as long as we're committed to them we should abide by them.
Posted by: Janette Stripling | May 21, 2005 at 02:11 AM