Iraqis in Ireland celebrate capture

IRAQIS in Ireland last night celebrated the capture of Saddam Hussein with a public demonstration and parties at various venues across the country.

As reports filtered through that Saddam had been captured, many in the Iraqi community followed the events on television.

While Iraqis, numbering around 500 in Ireland, were divided over the US-led invasion of their country and sceptical about the reasons put forward by the coalition, all but a few supported the toppling of the Saddam regime and will celebrate his imprisonment, according to community leaders.

Dr Khalid Ibrahim, of the Iraqi Human Rights Organisation, could not contain his joy on hearing the news of the capture. “I am very, very happy because Saddam is a criminal. He was a real dictator, not just an ordinary killer but somebody who used chemicals to kill Iraqis.

“I am a mixture of happiness and very sad for his victims.”

Dr Khalid is a Kurd but from the southern city of Omara. He fled Iraq in the mid-nineties after half of his tribe were killed, tortured or imprisoned.

He does not believe the doomsayers, who claim the capture of Saddam will have little impact on attempts to bring stability and democracy to the country and that the violent opposition to the US-led administration will continue unabated.

Dr Khalid said: “This is a very beautiful day and a good day for democracy. We know there is more to do but I tell you the capture of this criminal will encourage more Iraqis to be involved.

“Of course, all Iraqis do not want occupation and want to end it but I am a supporter of international action.

“By the capture of this dictator, others will be encouraged to rebuild the country,” he said.