The biography of Saddam Hussein is yet to be written as existing works on the topic are too one sided. Saddam Hussein on trial shows that America's initial intent was not to put this dictator on trial which was desorganized; yet it sends a strong signal to dictators everywhere around the world that fear has changed side. Saddam Hussein and his entourage, particularly his family failed to advance the cause of civil liberties in a country wrecked by factional divisions; instead they severely deepened these.
Iraq under Saddam Hussein was at least a more tolerant, for lack of a better word on one point; that is, christians seemed no threat from that otherwise ruthless regime. Could anyone, except war mongers in the United States and some of tis allies, seriously believe that Saddam and al Qaeda were on the same footing when it comes to jihad against the West?