Whether it be the PTA as agreed between UK and Libya (and by proxy the US), comapssionate release, oil deals, the cessation of sanctons or the nauseous cynicism of Megrahi’s prognosis, simply (for simpletons) miss the essential point entirely. The appeal was dropped, and that was the raisons d’être for the US, Uk, and the Scottish government. Whatever it may take, that appeal must not continue. Best efforts had been employed by the UK govt, US justice dept officials and the Scottish crown prosecutors, to delay, obstruct and deny the appeal process to continue. This appeal was due to recommence next month, and the documentary evidence that had been known (and held) by the US and UK prosecution, (since 1994!) were to be disclosed to the court – and more importantly the defence. These documents had been seen by the SCCRC, and were 1 of the 6 conditions the case had been recommended back to appeal on the basis there may have been ‘a miscarriage of justice’ at Zeist. Witnesses had recieved financial reward for testimony at the original trial – at the behest of the US govt. One such witness, a Libyan intelligence agent no less. I told you the irony was lost.

No matter the weasel-words of scant criticism from the US and UK politicians, privately rest assured they are delighted. A call for a UN enquiry will be made next month at the UN assembly in New York.

Q : What does a Scotsman wear under his Kilt.

A : A white flag.

It wasn’t “compassion”, it wasn’t because the guy was supposedly sick, it wasn’t because of justice, it was all about the oil.

I suspect oil, and keeping Islam happy, is behind all these terrorist release deals, whether they’re in Britain, or Israel.

BTW JOCK you are not the only Brit in the village. I too am a Brit and whats more I lived in Scotland for over eight years , one of the biggest regrets in life, so I know what I a talking about with regards to the irrational English hating JOCKS. I have also lived in or visited over 93 countries world wide and lived on four different continents and I can state without a shadow of a doubt that of all of those countries Scotland is the one place I have no desire or intention of visiting ever again.
Have I lost the argument well we will let independent readers judge that I will not blow my own trumpet like you and Mohammedans do. But hey being MOODY is a pathetic excuse for using MORAL EQUIVALENCE

I got your point.

I support death for all terrorists. No mercy. No releases. No deals.

If my government pressures Israel to release captured terrorists for ANY reason, then I vehemently disagree with my government.

Unfortunately, I don’t have the political clout to change the policies of the U.S. government. I would if I could.

It was all about the oil. And Britain (and Scotland) got punked, because, of course, there’s no way to make sure these countries aren’t going to celebrate their golden-boy terrorists once they arrive home (what are we going to do? Bomb them, for celebrating their hero’s return) Anyway, why should they be afraid? They know England (and America, vis-a-vis the Saudis) will knuckle under for oil; that they’re just paper tigers, who won’t do a thing.

And terrorists will continue to be released, whether they’re imprisoned in Israel, or Scotland.

I hope, at least, after this, the “compassion” excuse, and all the “My, aren’t we such fine, compassionate people, letting these terrorists go!” will be dropped.

To Eli: It is marvellous to be promoted to Sir Alan of Lothian III, but I have neither the merit nor the capacity for bribery needed to acquire a knighthood. More to the point: I got into this discussion to say what people on the other side of the Atlantic think about the Megrahi release. As far as I know, I am the only non-American (there’s a phrase, not un-American on this thread. Your points about Israel are well taken by this party. I have odd, deep and too hard to explain connections with that troubled and difficult country, and unlike many people who spout forth on the subject I have actually been there, albeit about 20 years ago. FWIW I think any government headed by any member of the Netanyahu clan is a disaster. I also think that Euro bribes to lunatic terrorists (not necessarily a tautology: terrorism isn’t always lunacy, but that brings us back to Israel) funds potentially worse disasters. But to get to your argument about Israel’s being pressurized to release all sorts of bad chaps: what the hell else are they going to do with them? NB: I am not Jewish, but actually (it surprises many people) a church-going Scots Presbyterian. Who does not live in Scotland but if push comes to shove and he has to be pro- or anti-Israel comes down resolutely pro. With reservations, of course. That’s resolution for you in 2009.

And to “Pragmatist”: you’ve lost the argument. I strongly recommend any decent primer on the use of the paragraph: it would help give your ramblings at least a modicum of clarity.