12-31-2006, 01:34 PM
From the NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/31/world/....html?_r=1&oref=slogin
Quote:Around the World, Unease and Criticism of Penalty
Published: December 31, 2006
LONDON, Dec. 30 With gradations of unease rather than outrage inspired by the hanging of Saddam Hussein, Western politicians sought a cautious balance on Saturday between revulsion at his record, support for his executioners and concern at the use of a capital penalty they largely shun in their own countries.
But religious leaders Christian and Muslim used stronger and more critical language in response to the news of Mr. Husseins execution, which greeted most Western Europeans on their breakfast time news shows and in some newspaper headlines two days before the New Year.
Perhaps the most delicately choreographed response came from Britain, whose prime minister, Tony Blair, took a lead as Americas closest ally in toppling Mr. Hussein while his Labor Party prides itself on opposing the death penalty.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/31/world/....html?_r=1&oref=slogin