Saddam Executed

On December 30, 2006, Iraqis awoke to news that Saddam Hussein had been hanged; victims of his three decades of autocratic rule took to the streets to celebrate.

HEADLINE: Iraqis mixed on Saddam execution
CAPTION: The execution of Saddam Hussein has sparked dramatic reactions among the people of Iraq. Iraqis of different tribal affiliations comment on the death of the former President. (dec. 30)
[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE]
As news of Saddam Hussein's execution spreads across the globe - reactions within Iraq are mixed. Many Iraqis watched the execution on television.
Afterward, some celebrated in the streets. In the Baghdad slum of Sadr City -- some paraded an effigy of Saddam hanging from the front of a truck.
But much of how Iraqis feel about the execution depends on their tribal loyalties, and whether they're Shia or Sunni.
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In the ethnically mixed city of Kirkuk, a member of the Turkomen community congratulated those who carried out the execution, saying Saddam "hurt the full spectrum of society." He went on to say that he hopes the end of Saddam will be the beginning of a new era of peace and stability in Iraq.
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This Kurdish man says "The Saddam execution is just like a feast for all Iraqi people. We pray to Almighty God that terrorism be ended. And we hope that stability and security will prevail."
Saddam is accused of killing thousands of Kurds during the 1980s.
In the village near Tikrit where Saddam was born, Sunnis chose to remember Saddam as a hero.
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This man says Saddam's execution is an honour to all Iraqis. He says Saddam was a historical hero and will be remembered as a man who confronted the occupation and the Americans.
In Karbala - this Shiite man says - "We congratulate our oppressed people with the execution of the tyrant Saddam Hussein --- He got what he deserved"
There had been concerns, Saddam's execution would prompt new violence.
At least 68 Iraqis died in bombings Saturday .
But there was no word yet, whether the attacks were related to the execution of Saddam.

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