Polls & Research

Americans Split on Hussein Trial Ramifications

- Adults in the United States are divided over the effect Saddam Hussein's death sentence will have in Iraq, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 32 per cent of respondents think the verdict will make the situation better, 30 per cent believe it will be worse, and 23 per cent foresee no impact.

The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein's regime was launched in March 2003. At least 2,859 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 21,600 troops have been wounded in action.

Hussein was captured by coalition soldiers in Adwar—near his hometown of Tikrit—in December 2003. In July 2004, the deposed Iraqi leader made his first court appearance to respond to seven war crimes charges, which included the 1990 invasion of Kuwait. Hussein said the tribunal amounted to "a theatre."

In July 2005, the tribunal officially introduced specific charges against Hussein. The deposed leader was accused of assassinating Shiite men and expelling women and children from the northeastern Iraqi town of Dujail in 1982. The actions were regarded as retaliation for an attempt on Hussein's life organized by members of the Dawa Party.

On Nov. 5, Hussein was found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death by hanging. U.S. president George W. Bush expressed his views on the verdict, saying, "Today, the victims of (Hussein's) regime have received a measure of the justice which many thought would never come." 72 per cent of respondents think Hussein received a fair trial.

University of Tikrit history professor Muhamed Jaseem discussed the situation, saying, "The trial came at the wrong time because of all the other problems, especially security issues, that have to be dealt with. The concern is not if Saddam Hussein is released or put to death, but how they're going to provide services to the people of the country and make their lives better."

Polling Data

Will the verdict in Saddam Hussein's trial make the situation in Iraq better or worse?

Did Saddam Hussein receive a fair trial?