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Chief Judge in Saddam Trial Stepping Down

The chief judge in the trial of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein plans to step down, according to reports. If true, it could lead to further delays in the closely watched trial. The trial is expected to resume on January 24th, when the Rizgar Amin is expected to make his announcement. A source close to the judge said that Mr. Amin wants to resign because the trial is ?too difficult.?

Amin?s resignation may be an embarrassment for the Iraqi government and U.S. officials keen to show the world that Iraqis are capable of giving their former leader a fair trial. After several hearings late last month, Amin was criticized for allowing Saddam to speak at length, making allegations, including of his mistreatment at American hands.

The killing of two defense lawyers has already highlighted problems with the process in a country mired in a virtual civil war that pits Saddam`s fellow minority Sunni Arabs against a U.S.-backed government run by Shi`ite Muslims and ethnic Kurds intent on hanging a man they say massacred their peoples. One observer noted that the judge`s resignation may have been sparked by threats against his life.