NME has attracted worldwide opprobrium by naming deceased Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein top of its Cool List.



Editor Connor McNicholas defended the late tyrant’s position, saying: “His defiance and underdog status make for an extremely compelling rock ‘n’ roll persona, and are exactly the kind of things we look for”.



The list has been variously dismissed as “vacuous”, “pointless” and “wilfully obscure” since its inception, but Saddam’s inclusion heralds a new type of controversy.



Magazine editors, world leaders and human rights activists were united in a chorus of condemnation, describing it as a “stunt… infantile beyond comprehension”.



In scenes reminiscent of the Danish Cartoon controversy, fearful employees went into hiding as enemies of the former Sunni leader attempted to stone the NME offices.



Previous incumbent Beth Ditto admitted her surprise at the choice: “Just because a guy like Saddam wears military apparel and aviators doesn’t mean he’s cool. Gaddafi’s been rocking that look for years and I don’t see him on the list.”



McNicholas resisted calls for his resignation, reading from a prepared statement: “Politics, rock ‘n’ roll and coolness are inseparable. I saw an emo wearing a Chairman Mao T-shirt the other day and it just goes to show that no matter what you’ve done anyone can become cool. Plus the whole Martyr thing is very in right now.”



Outgoing American President George W. Bush was outspoken in his criticism, calling on music fans to boycott the publication. The pair’s feud goes back to the 80s, when Saddam is alleged to have made disparaging remarks about Bush’s mother in a series of prank calls, which eventually culminated in two Gulf wars. However aides privately admit Bush is aggrieved at reaching only 12th place in the list.

Posted In Gobshout News, Nov 11 2008. Words - Finn