After the car bombs and celebrations following today’s execution of Saddam Hussein, can Iraq expect a more peaceful future?  His execution was the only appropriate fate for a despotic tyrant responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent people. His death marks the end of the Saddam era.

I would like to think his death marks a milestone to democracy, but fear there will be much bloodshed and reprisals first. But what will happen next? Will it help Iraq to move forward?

Anyone reading Saddam’s last letter penned on 5th November and just released would believe he was a saint, is this the Saddam you recognise?

“To the great nation, to the people of our country, and humanity: Many of you have known the writer of this letter to be faithful, honest, caring for others, wise, of sound judgement, just, decisive, careful with the wealth of the people and the state… and that his heart is big enough to embrace all without discrimination.

“His heart aches for the poor and he does not rest until he helps in improving their condition and attends to their needs.

“His heart contains all his people and his nation, and he craves to be honest and faithful without differentiating between his people except on the basis of their efforts, efficiency, and patriotism.”

Will Saddam’s death make him a martyr? Will it strengthen the hand of Sunni insurgents in recruiting people to their cause? Will the celebrations in Shia areas only make these sectarian divisions worse?