Iraq is in no-win situation

The ever-increasing violence may culminate in extreme action today.

The verdict is expected today in the first trial of Saddam Hussain. If, as expected, he is found guilty, then he will be given the death sentence. Should that occur then the likelihood is of increased violence throughout Iraq, a prospect that the security forces fear.

It has been obvious for some time that the situation in Iraq has got completely out of hand with the Iraqi forces, which are meant to maintain security in the country, and the allied forces, can do much to curb. With about 100 deaths a day the government and its allies are unable to respond to the increasing violence. Worse, it is apparent neither the Iraqi government nor the US government have any sort of plan that will extricate them from the predicament.

With Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki recently announcing that he was not "America's man", he would have doubtless been less than pleased to receive soon thereafter visits from two senior US security officials, almost as if it was to show the world the opposite.

Doubtless, though, there were discussions on security concerns for today's verdict. For Saddam supporters will demonstrate if he is given the death sentence, while Saddam opponents will demonstrate if he is not.