Rules Of The Game Changed

Iraqi legislators have changed the rules of the game, in respect of the forthcoming trial of Saddam Hussein.

They have now ensured that Saddam cannot represent himself.

The original rules for the trial, which were adopted in December 2003 when the US was running Iraq, allowed for Saddam "to defend himself in person or through legal assistance of his own choosing."

The Iraqi National Assembly now only give Saddam the right "to procure legal counsel of his choosing."

The rule change is designed to try to rid Iraq and Washington of the spectre of Banquo's ghost, whereby Saddam could have used his right of self-representation to make political propaganda from the event.

Captured, or not, it seems that many still fear Saddam.