In Iraq, Saddam Hussein has lost an appeal of his death sentence for crimes against humanity, setting the stage for his execution likely within the next 30 days. Saddam was convicted last month for ordering the killing of 148 Shiites in the town of Dujail in 1982. He has been sentenced to death by hanging. There are rising fears his execution could intensify Iraq’s sectarian fighting between Iraqi Shiites and pro-Saddam Sunni groups. Meanwhile, human rights groups that have previously criticized Saddam Hussein’s human rights abuses are also arguing he was denied a fair trial. On Tuesday, Human Rights Watch said the Iraqi government should not implement the death sentence because the trial was marred by political interference.