After listing the atrocities perpetrated by Saddam Hussein, Claude Salhani, UPI International Editor warns the world that a hanging this weekend could cause tremendous violence in the Mideast as Muslims gather for a holy feast, Eid al Ahda, this weekend. Salhani writes:
Saddam's execution would come as millions of Muslims around the world Saturday begin celebrating Eid al Ahda, or the feast of the sacrifice. This holiday commemorates the time when God told Abraham -- who is also revered by Muslims -- to spare his son Isaac and to slaughter a sheep instead.
Should the death by hanging sentence on Saddam Hussein be carried out during this period it would be seen by millions of Muslims as making a Martyr out of the former Iraqi dictator?
Additionally, this would all be taking place at the same time when several tens of millions of Muslims converge on Saudi Arabia to perform one of the seven pillars of Islam, the sacred pilgrimage -- or the hajj -- to Mecca. The news of Saddam's hanging would more likely than not stir emotions among the large numbers of worshipers gathered in the Saudi Arabian holy city. It wouldn't take much of a spark to ignite a riot among the millions of pilgrims gathered in Islam's holiest of cities.
Link: United Press International - Intl. Intelligence - Analysis: Saddam's execution badly timed.
