Political musing

Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi is the name that's been on everyone's lips this week. He's out, back in Libya where he can die in peace. But is he deserving of this peace he is getting?

I was intrigued to learn the complete difference of British and American opinion on this case. For a start, I haven't heard a single American supporting his release. Not even the great Barack Obama, Mr Compassionate who is going to help all of his citizens find healthcare. I hope Kenny MacAskill isn't fased at being condemned by the most influential man in the world at this moment in time. Sticks and stones and all that. British opinion, however, is more varied. The man I probably respect most in this case is Dr Jim Swire, who lost his daughter Flora in the bombing. He has vehemently denied al-Megrahi's involvement in the attack, an opinion which I respect, going against the clichéd need to find a scapegoat for the mess. Then you have David Cameron, who is with the US and called the release "nonsensical".

When the news story came up a few days ago, my mum commented that there would be a falling out with America over this case. It's about time, too. Is there any need to continue to pander to their every order? The Labour Party started their slippery slope downhill doing this, with the 2003 invasion of and continued presence in Iraq. They have not objected to the US-Israel collaboration which is killing Palestinians every day. Nor have they condemned the US's hypocrisy against Iran. It makes me want this country to get out of its belligerent rut, and leave NATO. Why must we be some military superpower for the sake of a few diplomatic relations?


So in short- yes. The man is dying and it makes sense to release him, convicted or not, to allow him to die in peace. It doesn't matter whether he did it or not. The fact of the matter is that compassion has triumphed over revenge. Love and forgiveness has triumphed over hate and, well, hate. 270 died on 21 December 1988. 70,000 died on 6 August 1945. Don't use war as an excuse - the Lockerbie bomber, whoever he or she was, was also at war.