Checkmate.

Checkmate.

Saddam Hussein is dead at age 69.

"The Butcher of Baghdad" was hung before dawn, and will be buried next to his late, odious sons Uday and Qusay near Tikrit.

Obviously, it's difficult to think of a more fitting end to a year of dictator news in 2006 than this. Goodbye, Saddam. Let's hope civilization never sees your ilk again.

UPDATE: Professional hangmen on a closed course. Don't try this at home.