Saddam Hussein a "No Show" at Baghdad Stamp Exhibition

The Khaleej Times Online reports the Iraqi government has banned pictures of Saddam Hussein from a stamp exhbition being held at the Baghdad Central Post Office.

"Every period is represented, from that of the Ottoman Empire to the present government. Some stamps from the Saddam era are included, but his image is unseen," according to the article.

The Director of the Office of Stamps Wathiq Mohammed Talib is quoted as saying,"“The government rejected the stamps that had portraits of Saddam Hussein because they represent the blackest hours of Iraqi history.”

Saddam Hussein ruled Iraq from 1979 until his regime was toppled in the 2003 US-led invasion. He was hanged in December 2006 for crimes against humanity.

Mohammed Dhia Taha, who has been collecting stamps for 25 years, said the government’s decision is absurd. “It is a stupid decision from a government seeking revenge. One should not deny our history.”

The exhibition was organized by the ministry to commemorate the 87th year of Iraq joining the Universal Postal Union (UPU).

Shown above, a 1989 Iraqi stamp marking Saddam Hussein's 52nd birthday.

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