Saddam's Hunger Strike

Saddam in Hospital after Hunger Strike

Jul 23, 2006 — By Ahmed Rasheed
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Saddam Hussein was being fed through a tube on Sunday after 16 days on hunger strike and an Iraqi official said he will not attend court on Monday.

"Saddam Hussein continues to maintain his hunger strike and is voluntarily receiving nutrition through a feeding tube. His condition is constantly monitored by medical personnel and is not life-threatening," [a U.S. military spokesman] said.

Saddam lawyers accuse the U.S. military of force-feeding the ousted leader, whose hunger strike has added to the chaos of his trial, which is approaching its conclusion.

The U.S. military says the 69-year-old ex-president has been drinking sweet coffee and liquid nourishment and receiving psychological counseling to try to persuade him to eat.

Read the whole article here.

First of all, what's up with all these hunger strikes? It's not even like they're real hunger strikes. They keep eating.

Second, why does anyone pay attention? The best way to extinguish attention getting behavior is to ignore it.

Why don't we call his bluff? You don't want food? Fine with us. With the price of food these days...

Alright. I understand there are probably some good political reasons for keeping Saddam alive, but is it me or are all these little theatrical antics getting just a little tiresome?

H/t: Cao's Blog