Eloquent Incoherence

According to news reports, Saddam Hussein was executed at 6:00 AM this morning. State-run Iraqiyya TV is reporting the execution with the byline, “Saddam’s execution marks the end of a dark period of Iraq’s history.” With that sentiment, I agree. Saddam was a brutal tyrant who will surely not be missed (especially by the Shi’a and the Kurds). Unfortunately, the darker period that has followed it–that of the American occupation–has no end yet in sight.

Reflecting on the war, Saddam’s fall, and the current situation, I’m reminded of the maxim that pervades much of classical Sunni political thought: “sixty years of tyranny are better than one night of civil strife.”

Maleeha left for Pakistan today with her family. I humbly request that all my readers (all three of you) pray that she has a safe and enjoyable trip, insha-Allah (God willing). She’ll be back on the 12th.

In the meantime, my mother and I will be visiting my aunt in Houston. Going on a trip to visit family with my mom makes me feel like a little kid again. I’m looking forward to seeing my cousins, but part of me doesn’t really want to go without Maleeha. That, plus I might miss the Rose Bowl since our flight is on the 1st (flights on the 2nd were much more expensive for some reason), which I am not happy about. I’m taping it just in case, though. We’ll be back on the 6th, and classes start on the 10th.