Playing Dominoes

Saddam was arrested in 64 and sent to prison. After two years of imprisonment Saddam convinced his guards to let he and some friends go to a restaurant on their way to court. While he was in the bathroom he walked out of the back door. I like to imagine him for just three straight years alone in his apartment just building dominoes. It's so like it could there be a bigger red flag other than refusing to show your face.