Saddam Hussein - Should we hang our heads in shame?

One of the major news stories recently is the hanging of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. There seems to be a very split opinion about whether his hanging was right or wrong. Some argue that it is an inhumane thing to do, and despite his crimes, makes as just as barbaric as him. Other would argue that he is man of pure evil and the world is rid of a scumbag.

I have watched the video of it on the internet (out of curiosity, not because I get some kind of pleasure out of watching someone die!) and it is quite an interesting thing to watch, as you see a man who has killed so many people, look so helpless and actually quite afraid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHzqUIlh_c8 (if you would like to see for yourself)

Throughout this video, I constantly had to keep reminding myself of the evil deeds this man has carried out in his shameful life, because there are times when you start to feel sorry for him. You start imagining yourself in that situation, and it is a very chilling thing to watch. As it is filmed on a dodgy mobile phone camera, it makes the whole thing seems more grainy and intimidating. As Saddam steps out of the shadow, the camera moves over to show the noose and it is a sinister sight. The executioners in balaclavas further add to the horror of the whole thing. The video captures the moment the trap doors open and Saddam drops to his death.

I found myself questioning whether that was the right thing to do. Not because I think it was inhumane, afterall, he killed so many people, why shouldn't he be killed?! seems a fair enough statement to me, but I think in his twisted mind, he thought he was dying a martyr, or some sort of hero. A more suitable punishment would have been to leave him to rot in a cold, dark, damp prison cell somewhere in Iraq.