A College Class Talks about Saddam Hussein

American news is often on the front page of The Hindu newspaper, and the Editorial and Op-Ed sections cover more American-Indian relations news than other topics. When Saddam Hussein was on trial and killed, it was the headlining news and the most common conversation topic in my college classes. I am the sole American in town. It is an incredible amount of pressure to know that ones words may be the only American opinion a Mavelikaran villager may hear regarding the topic.

In the college classroom, students always ask tough and often unexpected questions: "Do Jewish people control the economy? Is that why the U.S. supports Israel?" "Do you like Castro?" "Why is the U.S. in Iraq?" "Do you believe there is a relationship between Bin Laden and Hussein" The other day a young boy on the street said to me, "Saddam Hussein was killed. He was the U.S. President?" His father corrected him quickly, but regardless of the boys confusion, he demonstrated a general knowledge of current events and an awareness of its effect on me, more than I'd expect from a kid his age.

I could avoid political discussions, much of me would prefer to, but what a waste that would be. A wasted opportunity to offer an American prospective and encourage debate and discussion. When I returned from the Christmas holiday I brought 4 newspapers to class and a Frontline article covering Saddam's life as a political leader. The newspapers all had healine articles from before, the day of, and after Saddam's death. I asked the students to tell me their opinion about a range of specifics, below is a conglomeration of the thoughts of about 35 college students:

Q: Regarding the trial, what are your thoughts?
A: It should have been done better, Saddam's part wasn't heard. It was conducted to satisfy other countries, not Iraq. I don't know much about the specifics of the trial, I just know everyone here says it was unfair. Iraqis should decide whether Saddam should hang, not Bush.

Q: Regarding the verdict, what are your thoughts?
A: Of 35 students, two say that he "deserved it," but it shouldn't have been Bush's decision. The rest are against the death penalty and prefer life imprisonment. Bush should also be tried (for the death of 6 lakh Iraqi people and 3,000 U.S. troops). The death penalty is cruel, he should be given the chance to live through lifelong imprisonment.

Q: What is the result of the verdict?
A: There are many protests. No judgement can satisfy everyone. The U.S. is trying to make sovereign power all over the world. Bush's cruel nature is proven by Saddam's death. Saddam is a martyr. It's shocking news to all people, nobody believed it would really happen. Most people are against Bush and more people are angry at America than before.

Q: The U.S. Presidential election is approaching, what advice would you give Americans about the election or anything you'd like to share with Americans?
A: Consider your personal feelings, but also those of the rest of the world. You can decide whether Bush is a good leader or not. Don't believe that because we don't support Bush, we do support Saddam. Use your vote wisely. Be careful about selecting your leader. Choose someone who is NOT in it for his personal benefit [her emphasis].