By now, everyone’s probably seen the pictures of Saddam Hussein after he was captured, and after he was allowed to clean up a bit. I have a question, and since there may be no factual answer, I’ll ask in this forum.
When the US captured all the Taliban forces and such in Afghanistan, they were forced to shave their heads and beards partly in an effort to break their spirit. Why wasn’t the same done to Hussein? His mustache, I recall reading, is symbolic of machismo in Iraq. Since he was captured in a most unglorious way, why not shave his mustache on him? Wouldn’t that break his spirit even more than it probably is, and make intelligence gathering a bit easier?
I figured that was the case, but after the pictures and video were taken, why not take the mustache, too? Then he’d appear to be just some tired, beaten old man wielding no authority whatsoever. Certainly would deal a blow to his ego.
Who knows? Maybe they still will in time. It’s only been a day.
I wouldn’t be suprised if they let him keep it though. It’ll serve as a reminder to everyone.