In the glimmer of dawn, in a gloomy prison in Baghdad, the atmosphere was unusually oppressive. Saddam Hussein, who was nearing the end of his life, sat in a cold prison cell, facing the last moments of his life. The cold wind howling outside the prison was mixed with the vague noise that came from time to time in the distance, as if the whole city was waiting for something with bated breath. And at this decisive moment, he was asked: Is there anything else you would like to say at the last minute?
Saddam Hussein did not answer directly, but asked for a pen and a piece of paper. His hands were shaking, but his strokes were unusually firm. What he was going to write would be his last poem, a poem to end his years of rule, to end his life as a statesman and poet.
Saddam's final judgment and verdict
At the end of 2006, as the news of the death sentence of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein spread around the world, the media of various countries turned their attention to Iraq. However, the street scene in Baghdad is very different from what is generally expected around the world. Many expected Saddam's death sentence to spark mass celebrations, but in reality, the atmosphere in Baghdad was unusually subdued.
At this point in time, the security situation in Baghdad is worrying, and although some time has passed, there is still a climate of tension and instability in the city. Gunfire can be heard on the streets from a variety of sources, ranging from clashes between security forces and militants to self-defense measures taken by ordinary people to protect their homes. This uncertainty makes it difficult for even seasoned foreign journalists to judge whether the scattered gunfire is a celebration of Saddam's death sentence.
Most of the local shops close early, and pedestrians on the streets rush to avoid lingering as much as possible. The expressions of the residents of Baghdad were mostly worried and wary, and they had become somewhat accustomed to the sudden gunfire, but that did not mean that they could completely ignore the danger. Whenever gunshots are heard, whether in a market, a school or a residential area, people quickly seek cover and try to keep a low profile to avoid becoming potential casualties.
In this environment, the population of Baghdad has had mixed reactions to the news of Saddam's execution. Although Saddam's reign caused many people to suffer, the security of the city did not fundamentally improve after his fall. On the contrary, the power vacuum and the struggle between different factions have made the situation more volatile. Thus, for many residents, Saddam's end was not just a simple political event, it was a microcosm of their daily existential challenges.
At the same time, the focus of the international media was on Saddam's death penalty and his political legacy. Journalists tried to get first-hand reactions and comments from locals, but most Baghdad residents were reluctant to express their views publicly. For them, talking about such topics can be an unnecessary hassle or security risk. To some extent, this silence and avoidance reflect the shadow of fear and repression left by Saddam's rule.
Vehicles from the United Nations and national aid agencies are often seen on the streets, shuttling through the restless city, offering humanitarian assistance and trying to stabilize the situation. Security checkpoints are ubiquitous and are guarded by both Iraqi security forces and international coalition forces.
Saddam's farewell work "Liberation"
Faced with the ultimate judgment, Saddam Hussein spent the few hours he had left in prison composing a poem titled "Deliverance." In this poem, Saddam Hussein uses his unique language style, using flowery rhetoric to integrate deep hatred and antagonism into the words.
Every line of the poem reflects his hatred of the betrayer and his contempt for the invader. Saddam Hussein used strong metaphors in the poem, describing the brutality of American soldiers as "evil wolves", while he himself portrayed himself as a fearless "martyr" who justified his perseverance and sacrifice in the poem. Through this contrast, he tried to shape his own image in history, to paint another color on his political and military career.
There are also complex symbols and metaphors in the poem, with Saddam invoking traditional Arabic poetic forms, which are filled with high praise for honor and loyalty, while anger against betrayers swells like an undercurrent. This expression not only showcases his talent as a poet, but also reflects his desire to convey his political message and personal beliefs through literary forms.
"Deliverance" was created in a very special setting, in which Saddam Hussein used simple writing tools such as pen and paper, provided by the prison, in a small space where he was being held, perhaps in a prison library or in a personal cell. The manuscript of the poem may have been quickly passed on to his lawyer or trusted allies, and was subsequently released to the outside world, attracting attention at home and abroad.
The poem's release has sparked a wide range of international discussions, with some analysing its artistic value from a literary point of view, while others examining its intentions and impact from a political point of view. Through this poem, Saddam Hussein sought to reinvent himself in the face of the ultimate judgment, transforming himself from an overthrown dictator into a figure who contributed to history and culture.
Saddam's Reign and Literary Identity
As Iraq's dictator, Saddam Hussein's identity was not limited to being a political leader, but he also actively portrayed himself as a writer in an attempt to leave his mark on the history of Arab culture. During his reign, he not only wrote frequent political speeches, but also wrote a number of poems, which were often recited or published in public and at national events, demonstrating his love and devotion to the language arts.
Within Saddam's government offices, there was a special department responsible for collecting, editing, and publishing his works. This department not only ensures that each of his works accurately reflects the message he wants to convey, but also meets a certain standard artistically. Saddam's poems and speeches were widely disseminated throughout Iraq through radio, television and newspapers as a way to strengthen his prestige and influence among the people.
His poems are often filled with quotes and praises of Iraq's history, emphasizing the glory and historical mission of the Arab nation. The stylistic use of traditional Arabic poetic forms, such as the use of rhythmic classical Arabic, as well as complex rhyming structures, shows to some extent his deep cultural heritage and respect for traditional literature.
Despite Saddam's literary achievements, he was very strict in his approach to criticism. Under his rule, people who openly questioned his literary talents or political decisions could be severely suppressed or even persecuted. This combination of literature and power has forced many to be cautious when praising his work so as not to anger the dictator who is supreme with power.
In Saddam's palace and office, it is common to see books and manuscripts hand-picked by him, which reflect his passion for literature. Not only did he read widely and dabbled in many genres of literature, but he also regularly communicated with visiting writers and poets. These literary activities helped to elevate his personal image to some extent and to give him a place in the cultural arena of the Arab world.
In addition to his personal work, Saddam Hussein was a strong advocate of Iraq's cultural causes, supporting various literary and historical research projects. He encouraged scholars and writers to explore the history and culture of Iraq and the Arab world as a whole, and funded the publication of many books and documents on Iraqi history. Through these initiatives, Saddam Hussein sought to create an image of a culturally prosperous and historic country, reinforcing national pride and loyalty to the country.
However, while Saddam's cultural and literary investments undoubtedly strengthened his public image, these efforts were also often seen as a means for him to assert power.
Saddam's political and social influence
Under Saddam Hussein, Iraq has undergone a series of extreme political maneuvers and iron-fisted policies aimed at consolidating its power through a reign of terror. The government's security forces and intelligence agencies are widely used to combat any form of political dissent or potential threat. This repressive political climate has led to massive human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and even public executions.
On the orders of Saddam, there were several brutal repressions against protesters and members of the opposition. Among the most well-known events was the 1988 Halabja massacre, when thousands of Kurds were killed, which was later widely condemned as genocide by the international community. In addition, he exerts a tight grip on the Shiite community, and any suspicion of opposition to the government could lead to tragic consequences.
These policies have not only provoked widespread fear and condemnation within Iraq and abroad, but have also had far-reaching consequences for the daily lives of the Iraqi people. Ordinary people are constantly living in precariousness and fear, many families are torn apart by political persecution, and the economic and social fabric is decaying through years of war and conflict.
Although the 2003 Iraq war and subsequent arrest of Saddam Hussein marked the end of his rule, for the population at large, the change did not immediately lead to an improvement in life. Although Saddam's execution at the end of 2006 marked the beginning of a possible new political chapter in Iraq, the prolonged period of instability and conflict has had a profound impact on the country's infrastructure and the quality of life of its population.
In the aftermath of Saddam's execution, while some people were glad to have escaped a long dictatorship, many more were worried about the uncertainty of the future. The power vacuum within the state and tensions between different ethnic and religious sects have heightened many people's concerns about the security and stability of their lives. The security situation on the streets remains unpleasant, and armed conflict and terrorist activities continue to be part of daily life.
In addition, the country's reconstruction efforts have been slow, and many infrastructures have become inoperable due to disrepair or war-torn conditions, such as unstable power supply, lack of medical services, and strained educational resources. All these have a direct impact on people's basic living needs and socio-economic development.
Against this backdrop, while Saddam's political career has come to an end, the challenges facing the Iraqi people are far from over. Not only do they need to rebuild their homes, but they also need to find a long-term political solution that balances the interests of all parties and eases internal contradictions to ensure the country's future stability and prosperity.
Resources:
1. CNN Coverage of Saddam Hussein Execution.
2. BBC Analysis on Saddam's Regime and Final Moments.
3. The New York Times: Saddam Hussein's Last Words – Poetry and Defiance.