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.

Dr Azzam said: "It is the first time an Arab leader has been put on trial the repercussions are enormous.

"Many will see other dictators and say, 'What about our leaders? They have committed crimes against our people.' Arab regimes are fairly nervous seeing Saddam put on trial.

"Ordinary people, people across the region are going to be saying, 'Saddam is being put on trial' for the first time it is breaking a barrier of fear in the Arab world. The implications are going to be enormous."

The leaders of authoritarian regimes are not the only ones in the Arab world who may not relish seeing Saddam brought to justice, Dr Azzam believes.

While the majority of Iraqis will be happy with the trial, she said that some Arabs are still suspicious of the motives behind it.

"There is a feeling on 'Arab Street' there's a hidden agenda, that the trial is not for his human rights record... but that he did not serve US interests in the way they wanted," she said.