Saddam The Peacemaker

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Saddam Hussein, Iraq's President-In-Exile, testified today at his trial, and attempted to deliver a stirring address about the need for peace in Iraq before he was rudely cut off by the evil Chief judge Raouf Abdel-Rahman.

"Let the (Iraqi) people unite... Don't fight among yourselves", said Saddam. Referring to the "great Iraqi people", a phrase he oftened used in speeches while still in power, he said, "What pains me most is what I heard recently about something that aims to harm our people. My conscience tells me that the great people of Iraq have nothing to do with these acts."

As Iraqis everywhere began to join hands and sing "Kumbayah", the contemptable Abdel-Rahman shouted at Saddam, "You are being tried in a criminal case. Stop your political speech." He went on saying, "You are being tried in a criminal case for killing innocent people."

Saddam stood up in court and boldly acknowledged that he ordered the 148 Shiites put to death, insisting that it was his right to do so since they were suspects in an attempt to kill him. As he sat down he was overheard to angrily mumble something about "Shiites."

Chief judge Abdel-Rahman then closed the court to journalists who joined the crowds outside for another verse of "Kumbayah".