Ball State political science professors said they werepleasantly surprised by the news of Saddam Hussein's captureSunday.
"I'm delighted," Paul Hamori, professor emeritus, said. "It willsolve a lot of problems."
Hussein was captured by U.S. forces near Tikrit Saturdayevening, according to The Associated Press.
"Captured the way he was not just reduced his prestige, butcompletely destroyed it," Hamori said. "He was captured like acoward, not a hero. At least his sons fought."
Hussein's two sons were both killed in gun battle with U.S.troops in July.
Students were taken aback by the news Sunday as well.
"I was shocked he was taken alive without any resistance,"freshmen Bryn Keplinger said.
With the Iraqi leader in custody of the United States, some areasking what happens next. Hamori said an International Court ofJustice will most likely hold a trial for Hussein.
Rouse said it will be important that the court has the supportof the Iraqi people in order for the country to find justice.
"Some of the support for resistance will wither. It's stillgoing to be a long road," Roger Hollands, political scienceprofessor, said.
Political science professor John Rouse was surprised and said hedidn't expect it.
Rouse believes any changes that may come in Iraq will bemarginal and will take time, he said.
"They have to quit fighting with each other," Rouse said. "Ifthe fighting doesn't stop it will be difficult to rebuild thecountry."
But Hollands said the capture of Hussein is an importantpsychological boost for all the troops in the United States and thepeople in Iraq.
"We can't afford to leave now," Rouse said.
The search for Osama Bin Laden will continue, but Hamori saidthe capture of Bin Laden will not be as significant asHussein's.
"Bin Laden moved people who were willing to die for a cause,"Hamori said. "With Bin Laden working underground he is a coward.Saddam working above ground shows he was not a terrorist, he was adictator."
That "dictator" has some Iraqis waiting for his return.
"Many still hope Hussein comes back and Iraq will be like oldtimes," Hamori said.
The Suni Muslims in Iraq are strong followers of Hussein, Hamorisaid. With Hussein now a prisoner, their hope is lost. Hamori saidthe Suni Muslims constitute one third of the Iraq population.
"There will be no more god for them to worship," Hamori said."Their god is dead."
News Editor Teresa Auch contributed to this report.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
