From what I've read, it appears that ever since he first acquired political influence, he has only on the rarest of ocassions allowed a potential opponent to live. Even exile appears insufficient for his long-term purposes.

If not killed outright by his regime (and he's admitted to western journalists that opponents of the state must be executed), then death under "mysterious circumstances" appears to be the fate awaiting any potential enemy.

Some of those released may not be serious enough threats to Saddam to warrent their deaths. But the others, once they've served their purpose--making him look merciful and reasonable--will drop like flies, I'll bet.

It's been suggested that Saddam is not particularly bright, but there is plenty of clear evidence to the contrary. While not an educated man, he appears to be a dictator of Machiavellian brilliance. Even some of his [few surviving] enemies grudgingly admit he is a very skilled manipulator of people...alternately charming and forceful, adept at reading a situation and finding a path to his goal.

His biggest mistake, as far as I can tell, is beleiving himself a military man. Had he stuck to negotiation and diplomacy, he may well have gotten a lot farther in his dream of empire than his military misadventures have taken him.