I predicted that the Bush Administration is trying to figure out where they can try Saddam by putting out trial balloons via the Voice of America on the idea of him being tried in a military or U.S. court system, versus an international court. I was right about that.
They’re testing the idea of trying him here, or at least keeping him out of an international court.
As Billmon observes on this subject:
A military trial for Saddam would definitely seem to have its benefits: Limited, if any, media coverage. A limited discovery process. Limited testimony, limited cross-examination, a limited appeals process. In other words, the most favorable possible forum for keeping America’s own dirty laundry out of public view, and for denying Saddam a soap box to appeal to whatever support he still has left in Iraq.