Saddam Hussein, Died Well but forgot to live Free

It was supposed to be a formal and solemn proceeding carried out by a dispassionate state. But the grainy recording of the execution’s cruel theater summed up what has become increasingly clear on the streets of the capital: that the Shiite-led government that assumed power in the American effort here is running the state under an undisguised sectarian banner.
It left the impression that the government cared more for revenge than for justice, Sunnis said.

“Either it’s terrible incompetence or it’s an act of revenge — a vendetta,” said Adnan Pachachi, a respected Sunni whose political career began long before Mr. Hussein took power. “That was the impression people had.” NY times

He remained with his composure till the very end , in spite of the circus atmosphere, who were these people? and did it take half a dozen masked men to explain to him how he was going to die? Anyone that looked at the video can tell he was taunted.

"God damn you," a guard said.

"God damn you," replied Saddam.

Saddam appeared to smile at those taunting him from below the gallows. He said they were not showing manhood.

Then Saddam began reciting the Shahada, a Muslim prayer that says there is no god but God and Muhammad is his messenger, according to an unabridged copy of the video clip, which was posted on a website.

Saddam made it to midway through his second recitation of the verse. His last word was Muhammad. Then the floor dropped out of the gallows.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVx1lkhaldY
Al-Jazeeera
December 30, 2006, 5:58 AM (GMT+02:00)
This was announced by US-backed TV al Hurra and Iraqi state television. He was 69.