Trial ‘sets precedent for other despots’

THE toppling and trial of Saddam Hussein could have “enormous repercussions” for other authoritarian regimes in the Middle East, an expert said yesterday.

Millions of Arabs may for the first time begin to question the leadership of their own countries now that the Iraqi dictator has been deposed and made to answer for his crimes.

Dr Maha Azzam, associate fellow of the Royal Institute of International Affairs, said that the regimes in other countries, such as Syria and Egypt, would be "nervous" an Arab leader has been put on trial.