That's a good point, Odeon. They could have tried him for more crimes he committed. I am against the death penalty as it is often carried out in my country, but I am not against the principle of the death penalty itself, if guilt can be absolutely proven, the crimes are heinous enough, and if there is a substantial risk that the person could commit more crimes if he or she is left alive. I think if Saddam Hussein had been left alive in prison for the rest of his life, his followers could have used the opportunity to threaten some violent acts if he was not released. Maybe they could have kidnapped some people and killed them if his release was not traded for their lives. At least now, the issue is settled and there is nothing that can be done to bring him back to power. His sons, Uday and Qusay Hussein, are dead too.