That Poor Man

I never thought I'd say it, but I'm beginning to feel sorry for Saddam Hussein, especially after reading this recent disclosure:

The former Iraqi dictator who stepped down following the invasion of his country by American forces has checked himself into rehab.

Ex-President Saddam Hussein says he is seeking help for alcoholism.

Hussein issued a statement, saying he has deep regrets and accepts full responsibility for the harm he has caused.

The former Supreme Ruler, now on trial for mass murder and genocide, then issued a series of revelations from rehab, including a claim that he had been sexually abused as a teen.

Attorney Ramsey Clark, speaking on Hussein's behalf at a Baghdad news conference Tuesday, said Hussein was molested between ages 13 and 15 by a mullah.

He declined to identify the mullah.

"Saddam does not blame the trauma he sustained as a young adolescent for his totally inappropriate genocide", Clark said. "He continues to offer no excuse whatsoever for his conduct."

Clark, who spoke for Hussein while he is in rehab for alcohol abuse and mental illness, said Hussein denied gassing thousands of innocent civilians and that he was under the influence of alcohol when he ordered the murder of dozens of his political opponents and their families.

"There was absolutely no inappropriate gassing of religious minorities... and any suggestion that Saddam Hussein is a homicidal monster is false," Clark said.

Clark also acknowledged for the first time that the former President For Life is gay, saying the disclosure was part of his client's "recovery."

"Saddam Hussein wants you to know he is a gay man," Clark said.