The execution of Saddam Hussein is retold in a grim article from the New York Times that appeared in the U.S. on December 31. The story includes a strange exchange of curses between Hussein and one of the guards present. No video of the actual execution has been released, the opening of the trap door. And that’s for the best. I have no doubt that Drudge will try to find it and air it if it exists. Or Fox News.

But we don’t need to see that.

The account in the NYTimes says volumes:

At 6:10 a.m., the trapdoor swung open. He seemed to fall a good distance, but he died swiftly. After just a minute, his body was still. His eyes still were open but he was dead. Despite the scarf, the rope cut a gash into his neck.

His body stayed hanging for another nine minutes as those in attendance broke out in prayer, praising the Prophet, at the death of a dictator.