Coming at the same thing from a different angle, Christopher Hitchens also 'wants the Qaddafis and Assads and their accomplices... on notice' - on notice that they will be tried for their crimes. As usual with the Dude, there is other matter of interest along the way:
It was particularly satisfying to see, in the filling of Green Square in Tripoli and the over-running of the vulgar Xanadu of Muammar Qaddafi's so-called private "compound," the use as real space of areas that had hitherto been reserved for that special kind of degradation and humiliation - the rally for The Leader. Picture four decades in which compulsory attendance at such a ritual - kissing your owner's feet and shouting his praises in unison - was a major cultural activity. So addicted was Qaddafi to this sadomasochistic enactment that he, and his ghastly sons, continued it until the very last minutes. So, of course, did Saddam Hussein. So, as we speak, does Bashar Assad. In the nightmare state so cherished by such fantasy rulers, mere acquiescence or subjection is not enough. You must become a full participant in your own oppression, and find it in yourself to adore the collectivization of compulsory enthusiasm.