h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

This
http://tinyurl.com/y2hj7m
seems the likeliest image for iconisation.
Note the almost beatific expression. It is the face of a martyr by Raphael. And vindicates extreme Sunni opinion, that the Shia dominated government is intent on their destruction. It also visualises the morality for any self-martyrdom required in the cause of their self-defence, as they see it. Along with the lynch-mob tone of the video itself, this image is as deadly as any Patriot missile - together they will kill at least as many people. The shouts of SADR! are the cherry on the cake. The inescapable message to the Sunni minority of the mobile phone footage is "Look Out, We're Coming To Get You".

The single line messsage of the still shot is 'If They DO Get You, You Can Die Like A Man.'

It seems now that the Iraqi government were aware of the potential for disaster but was unable to control its own security service.

In Washington, it is unlikely that some of the finest diplomatic minds on the planet didn't also understand the same danger, and not propose some serious PR advice to this immature and vulnerable dependant ally. It is almost inconcievable that Washington would not point out the risk of inflaming the Sunni militias by the handling of Saddam's execution.

Unless the US doesn't actually care whether Iraq is in a state of constant civil war, that is. Then Washington's apparent indifference makes some sort of sense. But why they should want that is anyone's guess.

Unless it is the case that a quarrelsome partnership is easier to bargain with than a sole trader. In this case for oil.

Not forgetting the need to alienate Baghdad from Tehran for as long as possible.

Not forgetting the regular contracts which keep the Malls open and the burgers sizzlin'.