The symbolism of hoods, masks, and coverings has long been tied to power and its unraveling.
This was vividly demonstrated in the cases of Saddam Hussein’s capture and the defeat of Hamas operatives by the IDF. These objects—whether placed on or taken off—carry profound connotations of exposure and shame.
JALAL TAGREEB -- When Saddam Hussein was captured in December 2003, the polyester hood placed over his head symbolised the erasure of his tyrannical authority.
The once-feared dictator was reduced to a powerless figure, his identity hidden and his humiliation displayed to the world. The hood’s purpose was not merely practical but also psychological, exposing Saddam as a fallen man stripped of dignity.