Amnesty: irrational?

摘要

Judging from its own press, Iraq is basking in a national love story. Last week, the masses endorsed their idol, Saddam Hussein, with a 100% yes vote in a presidential poll. Touched by their fervour, Mr Hussein responded by emptying his dungeons, freeing untold thousands of political prisoners, as well as thieves, murderers and army deserters. The amnesty brought joy to Iraqi streets, but also perplexity. Was this really, as one prison officer declared, "the act of a father forgiving his children"? Or is Mr Hussein, in the face of American threats, grasping at ways to improve his image, both abroad and at home?