Dec 30 2006

Statement on the Execution of Saddam Hussein

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made this statement on on the execution of Saddam Hussein. "This act of justice being rendered came as the result of great sacrifice by coalition forces and great resolve by the Iraqi people who were victimized for decades by Saddam's tyranny. Dictators like Saddam Hussein thrive when good people with the capacity to act fail to do so. In this case, a brutal dictator met his fate because good people, both inside and outside of Iraq, acted to bring his tyranny to an end. "The task of replacing tyranny with a functioning democracy is exceedingly difficult, but worth the effort. I hope people yearning to be free from tyranny will take this event as a sign of hope. And those who maintain power through tyranny understand the world is changing and they could be next. "After five visits to Iraq and having observed last year's election, I'm convinced the extremists and radicals creating chaos in Iraq can and will be defeated. The vast majority of Iraqis want to reconcile their country and live in freedom. The moderate forces within Iraq continue to need American assistance in greater levels than are currently being provided. Additional American combat capacity will empower moderates in Iraq and be a blow to the radical and extremist forces. Now is the time to reinforce Iraq so moderate political leaders will have the ability to suppress radical and extremist forces representing a minority of the country." #####