Morning news roundup

Sometimes I peruse through the morning papers and there’s not much there. Today’s not one of those days. Lotsa lotsa good stuff:

Tom Friedman in “Moment of Truth” writes about the future of Iraq but takes the time to belittle the French: “History will also record that while the U.S. and Britain chose to be Saddam’s prosecutors, France chose to be his defense lawyer.”

The Boston Globe is reporting that John Kerry is now putting all his effort into Iowa and New Hampshire; he will visit no other primary states through January.

Jeff Jacoby writes on “Justice and Saddam Hussein” and opines that “there will be no justice for Iraq’s former ruler” because the extent of his crimes is so great there is no possible retribution. Warning: a graphic listing of those crimes is not for the faint of heart. However, Howard “I’m not sure if Iraq is better off” Dean should review.

“Saddam the Lion?” Ha-ha. In terms of demoralizing the Ba’athist old guard, the capture of a meek Saddam Hussein has done wonders. The WashPost reports the disbelief in “Iraqis Shocked, Shamed by Hussein’s Sullied Image.” Excerpt: “So when he learned that Hussein had emerged meekly from his burrow last weekend and surrendered to U.S. forces without firing a shot, Abu Yasser said he was aghast.” Good.

Also in the WashPost: “Dean’s Remarks Give Rivals Talking Points.” It would seem that Howard Dean…how to put this?...lies. A lot.

Robert Samuelson doesn’t think much of the Supreme Court’s recent decision on campaign finance reform in “Muzzling Speech.”

And Fouad Ajami in Opinion Journal has a “Tigris Chronicle” on how the Arab world has grappled with Saddam’s capture.