Hanged: Saddam Hussein, formerly one of the most powerful men in the Middle East, was hanged today for genocide and crimes against humanity committed during his rule in Iraq. What a stunning fall for a man who, three years ago, was surviving quite fine in spite of American sanctions:

“Saddam Hussein was hanged until death ensued. A black page in the history of Iraq has been turned,” it added in a second news flash, as joyful popular music filled the airwaves.

Even as the execution appeared inevitable, many were skeptical or disbelieving that the noose could drop around Mr. Hussein’s neck so soon. One Western official said that some of the American legal advisers working on the case appeared stunned at the hasty pace of events late Friday as they walked through the corridors of the Republican Palace, once Mr. Hussein’s grandiose center of power.