Reports form Iraq say Saddam to hang soon

BAGHDAD, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Reports from Baghdad citing U.S. officials say that Saddam's execution could take place within the next few days, if true, the timing could not be worse.

Saddam's execution would come as Muslims around the world Saturday begin celebrating Eid al Ahda, or the feast of the sacrifice. This holiday commemorates the time when God told Abraham -- who is also revered by Muslims -- to spare his son Isaac and to slaughter a sheep instead.

Should the death by hanging sentence on Saddam Hussein be carried out during this period it would be seen by millions of Muslims as making a Martyr out of the former Iraqi dictator.

Additionally, executing the death sentence on Saddam now, while several million Muslims have converged for the hajj -- or pilgrimage -- to Mecca, would more likely than not stir emotions among the worshipers gathered in the Saudi Arabian holy city.

Both al-Jazeera and CNN are citing Saddam's lawyers from Baghdad as saying that Saddam's execution is imminent. His lawyers report that United States officials have transferred Saddam Hussein to Iraqi custody.

Saddam, who until now was in U.S. custody, had to be transferred to Iraqi custody before he could be executed.

Everything seems to indicate that Saddam will hang by the weekend. What follows next would be the beginning of a new and more violent chapter in Iraq's history.