A Great Idea

CNN reports that "Calls build for Saddam's trial" from both the new Iraqi government and the Iranians. Even Saddam's lawyer wants to get the trial started.

Saddam's attorney questioned whether U.S. and Iraqi authorities are violating the deposed Iraqi president's legal rights by keeping him jailed without issuing an indictment.

"Why not charge him with murder, rape, genocide, war crimes? Let's have something," Giovanni di Stefano told CNN.

I doubt this is true of many things, but I agree with Saddam's lawyer on this one. Indict him and try him. Let's get on with it. As I've written before, his current status in Iraq is destabilizing and dangerous. Beginning (and ending) his trial will serve to weaken the insurgency and demonstrate the authority of the new government.

Getting this trial started ASAP is a much more pressing issue than who shot a photo of Saddam folding his clothes in his underwear.