For Immediate Release

Statement by Christopher J. Dodd On the Apprehension of Saddam Hussein

December 14, 2003

"The apprehension of Saddam Hussein -- one of the most evil human beings -- is truly great news. It goes without saying that we owe a deep debt of gratitude to the brave men and women in our US Armed Forces who risked their lives to take Saddam into custody. Their skills and courage have been truly remarkable. They make us all proud to be Americans.

Clearly Saddam’s capture is an important moment for the Iraqi people, who will soon realize that their long nightmare of fear and terror is finally coming to a close. For the families of the hundreds of thousands of Iraqis who died from his brutality, today signals the beginning of the healing process and the building of new lives. While it won’t bring back the hundreds of US Service Members who have died in the line of duty dismantling the Saddam killing machine, it provides some small comfort that the man who is ultimately responsible for the ongoing conflict in Iraq will finally be made to pay for his crimes. It is very symbolic that Hussein was discovered living under destitute circumstances. It is now clear to the Iraqi people that this man who they once perceived as all powerful, has been brought to his knees and will soon be relegated to the ash heap of history.

Now it is time for Saddam Hussein to face justice; to stand before an Iraqi Tribunal; to have his crimes laid bare before his nation and the world; and to finally receive the punishment he so justly deserves. This too will be an important part of the healing process for the Iraqi people and an essential element in building a new Iraq, based on justice and the rule of law."

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