Saddam trial grips press

Newspapers in Iraq and the Middle East are riveted by the trial of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and seven associates.

The bitterness which remains from Saddam's time in power is evident in the Iraqi press. There is also a question mark over the complicity of other Arab nations in Saddam's alleged crimes.

In neighbouring countries, the trial is seen as an important milestone in Iraq's and the region's history. And the role of the US also comes under the spotlight.

Columnist in Iraq's Al-Adalah

Iraqi people have the right to demand Saddam's execution even without trial. These people saw the dictator kill hundreds and thousands of Iraqis without trial and throw more in prison. It is therefore difficult for them to see Saddam tried in court and in public, in other words, treated fairly. All should realise that the trial of the tyrant is a reality and that his punishment will be the death sentence. This fact will only be realised after the dictator' head rolls on the ground.

Columnist in Iraq's Al-Mada

No matter how this trial ends, it will be a symbolic trial which falls short of representing the truth, even if the verdict is fair and fits the crime. The memory of the Iraqi people, while seeing Saddam and his aides in the dock today, will dictate charges that have no relation to the evidence before the judges. On this day, Saddam will definitely not be tried for what he did to Iraqis during three decades of destroying human beings. In the mind of every Iraqi are thousands of charges and complaints that entitle each to sue Saddam Hussein. Summarising 25 million trials in one trial is a violation of justice.

Comment in weekly Ishraqat al-Sadr

The trial will expose the involvement of a set of Arab governments with the former dictatorial regime, especially in the crimes he committed against his own people or against neighbouring nations.

Headlines in Iraq's Al-Bayan

Saddam, his henchmen face their fate in Iraqi court today.

Trial of the age: Saddam before Iraqi court after decades of injustice, tyranny.

Headlines in Iraq's Al-Mu'tamar

Saddam to be tried for war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity.

Dujail crime enough for his execution.

Iran's E'temaad

This court and trial can certainly create new beliefs in the Middle East. The fact that dictators cannot last forever and have to account for their behaviour.

Saudi Arabia's Al-Watan

The Iraqi people do not really care about Saddam's trial. Their minds are engrossed in other issues such as power shortages and water scarcity, the chances of finding a job and restoring the security situation. It is true that a great part of Iraqis hate Saddam, however, their hatred towards the US occupation is much stronger.

Columnist in London-based Al-Hayat

Those who perpetrate crimes such as bombings and terrorism in all its forms must be punished. The trial of Saddam is the very beginning of this accountability for crimes and the call for reform.

London-based Al-Quds Al-Arabi

Saddam's trial will be the most demanding test for the US administration and its concept of justice.

Qatar's Al-Rayah

Saddam's trial is a historic event in Iraq's history and has finally become a reality. This trial should be a glowing example of justice and transparency.

BBC Monitoring selects and translates news from radio, television, press, news agencies and the Internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages. It is based in Caversham, UK, and has several bureaus abroad.