Iraqi Writer: Footage of Saddam's Execution was a US Plan to "Foment Sedition"

Al-Jazeera TV, 1 January 2007. Interview with Iraqi writer Dr Walid al-Zubaydi.

Commenting on the possible "ramifications" of executing Saddam Husayn, Al-Zubaydi says: "Undoubtedly, the US occupation in Iraq wanted the last moment of the execution to drag the Iraqis into what is worse after the failure to carry out the most dangerous conspiracy against the Iraqi people; namely, sectarian sedition."

He adds that the last footage of the execution was leaked to the media "according to a US plan that depends on the effects of the psychological war and propaganda that aim at achieving a clearly known objective."

Al-Zubaydi says: "Obviously, the last footage was taken wilfully and carefully. In order to avert any legal responsibility concerning the media, they fabricated things to show that the footage was taken stealthily. Everybody knows that the Americans surround the chamber [of execution ], and cameras cannot be allowed in. So they invented the idea of using mobile phones although no violations can take place. However, this is a play designed to foment sedition. They prepared some people to arouse a certain sect to show that the execution was implemented on sectarian grounds.

He continues to say: "I believe that this is the last attempt by the administration of the occupation to penetrate the Iraqi society."

Source: Al-Jazeera TV, Doha, in Arabic 0508 gmt 1 Jan 07, original Arabic. Translation. Copyright BBC 2007