Saddam’s Latest Killing Spree Made Possible By Lack of American Resolve

Iraqi security forces executed more than 800 prisoners from different government opposition groups in a prison in Arbil, Iraq over the last two weeks, according to JINSA sources in the Iraqi National Congress (INC). The slaughter was made known in the West on December 11, 1997. The death toll is expected to increase as the executions are still continuing. However, major media outlets have not covered this event.

Those executed include Arabs, Kurds and Turkomans and at least 30 members of the INC. JINSA has been working closely with INC leader Dr.

Iraqi security forces executed more than 800 prisoners from different government opposition groups in a prison in Arbil, Iraq over the last two weeks, according to JINSA sources in the Iraqi National Congress (INC). The slaughter was made known in the West on December 11, 1997. The death toll is expected to increase as the executions are still continuing. However, major media outlets have not covered this event.

Those executed include Arabs, Kurds and Turkomans and at least 30 members of the INC. JINSA has been working closely with INC leader Dr. Ahmad Chalabi to promote Saddam Hussein’s removal from office and a subsequently democratic future for Iraq.

The executions took place in the Special Prison in Abu Ghraib and in Radwaniyah prison near Baghdad and are part of the so-called “Prison Cleansing Campaign” which was recently ordered by Qusay, Saddam Hussein’s second son and the head of the Special Security Organization. It should be noted that Radwaniyah prison is inside one of the “presidential sites” that Iraq will not allow the UN Special Committee on Iraq (UNSCOM) to inspect.The INC and other Iraqis believe that the executions are linked to the recent crisis over UN weapons inspectors in Iraq. INC has noted that Saddam increases repression when he feels triumphant.

The entire affair further demonstrates Saddam’s continued resolve to rule as a despot beyond any boundary of civilized behavior – sanctions have not tempered him, pin prick military strikes have not cowed him. Lifting sanctions and permitting him to stay in office will not mollify him.

This senseless slaughter should not have had to be the last straw, but it is time to make it so.