Apparently, Nelson Mandela might testify in defence of Saddam Hussein at his trial. Needless to say, I really hope Mandela decides not to. Legally, it would be pure grandstanding, since he wasn’t directly involved with Iraq and has no actual relevance to the case. Pragmatically, it wouldn’t exactly do wonders for our national reputation. But the most important reason is symbolic. Nelson Mandela is a moral icon around the world, and a symbol of national unity in South Africa. To see such a great man stooping so far as to testify in the defence of a demented mass murderer like Saddam Hussein would be painful to watch. Mandela has spent his entire life fighting against oppression. It would be a cruel irony indeed if he had to end off his career fighting for one of the world’s greatest living oppressors.