Saddam’s genocide trial begins in Iraq
The second trial of Saddam Hussein began Monday, opening a new legal chapter for the ousted Iraqi leader, who this time around faces charges of genocide and war crimes from his scorched-earth offensive against Kurds nearly two decades ago. The case against Saddam and six co-defendants is tied to the deaths of tens of thousands of people during the Iraqi army’s “Operation Anfal” — Arabic for “spoils of war.” Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Full Story