The argument is instead, if we want to punish a person who's used to unbelievable power and control over others, maybe a life behind bars where his every action is controlled by the others he views as beneath him, is a more fitting justice.

In many ways his quick death is a way out for him. Just a thought.

In the abstract, you make a good point.

But Saddam, kept in prison, would continue to be a rallying point for a certain segment of the insurgency, and a constant target for terrorist extortion for his release.

If things changed for the worse enough over the coming years, he could eventually be released and returned to power, or escape and become a leader from somewhere else.

He certainly wouldn't be the first leader in history who rose again after being thrown into prison.

Best to shut it all down here.