Enemy of the State : the Trial and Execution of Saddam Hussein

Enemy of the State: The Trial and Execution of Saddam Hussein,1 written by Michael A. Newton2 and Michael P. Scharf,3 is a fascinating, insider’s account of the establishment of the Iraqi High Tribunal (IHT) in Baghdad and its first trial against former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. The book does a fine job exploring the background of the Tribunal’s creation, detailing Saddam’s capture by American forces, describing some of the critical documents used at trial against Saddam and other defendants, and providing a flavor of the antics and chaotic tactics employed. The book also makes clear the personal courage possessed by the judges and lawyers involved in the trial, which was televised in Iraq, thereby exposing various individuals and their families to serious security risks, including death. The authors also provide their expert reflections on the difficulties of trying former leaders who insist on attempting to use trials as political platforms for grandstanding rather than addressing the charges against them (as was also seen in the trial of Slobodan Milos̆ević). However, the book falls somewhat short in failing to adequately distinguish some of the antics and chaotic tactics (which may have colored public perceptions) from legitimate fair trial problems—about which numerous questions have been raised by other