Iraq: US Stalling on 3 Executions

Says 'Chemical Ali', 2 others should be handed over to hang
Posted Nov 11, 2007 5:48 PM CST
Iraq: US Stalling on 3 Executions
Sultan Hashim Ahmad al-Tai listens as his verdict was pronounced during the trial in Baghdad, Iraq, Sunday, June 24, 2007. Sultan Hashim Ahmad al-Tai, Hussein Rashid Mohammed and Ali Hassan al-Majid, known as "Chemical Ali," were convicted Sunday by an Iraqi court of genocide, crimes against humanity...   (Associated Press)

US forces have yet to hand over three prominent figures in Saddam Hussein's regime sentenced to death in September, and Iraqi PM Nouri Maliki is accusing the US of dragging its feet—not to mention violating the constitution.  Though "Chemical Ali" is the star of the three, the US is interested in sparing former a defense minister, the BBC reports.

Sultan Hashim was reportedly in cahoots with the CIA while Saddam ruled, and may have taken part in efforts to overthrow him. Many maintain that he was following Saddam's orders, and not enacting policy. US reluctance is compounded by a three-man presidential council that is refusing to approve the executions in defiance of Maliki.

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