I'm sure hundreds of American families would beg to differ.

I hope they feel some guilt for this decision. If they only knew the pain those victims' families felt, they might feel differently about letting a murderer go.
I mean over 250 people, goddamn. He should have been killed slowly, Medieval style for that shit. Why don't we do that for mass murderers again? Other methods are too humane.

he was fairly convicted and libya admitted responsibility.


it was an american flight full of american people. its clear the hate of united statesians is the real reason some of you are making the comments you are.

The captain of U.S.S Vincennes was responsible for shooting down an Iranian airliner, killing the 290 people onboard. The US Government gave him a medal.

Given it was a US flight, the bigger surrounding situation, etc. I can understand US wanting more input - particularly right now.

In the end though due to circumstances the decision had to be made by Scottish parliament, etc based on how he was tried, convicted, and so on.

It's tough - and I understand why families, etc. with involvement won't like it - but I believe it's important we show compassionate moral capabilities rather than demanding them from others.

The Libyan response was to be expected - and was inappropriate if they accept he was fairly tried and convicted. If not then I guess the whole thing has been a sordid sham to try and keep some form of shaky peace neither side fully believes in.

for real? 

'Compassion' is keeping him away from prisoners who would have killed him.

'Compassion' is allowing his wife and children to settle in Scotland so they can visit him.

'Compassion' is paying for his medical treatment.

The man killed 270 people, some people just don't deserve early release whatever the circumstances.

Enlightened mutual self-interest makes the world go round.

Is it really so terrible to see two old enemies leave their bad history in the past and work together for the prosperity of all?

The IRA waged civil war, insurrection and terrorism for almost a full century, and no amount of harsh treatment or state violence on the part of British forces put an end to the bloodshed. What ended the decades of conflict was republican and loyalist, catholic and protestant forgiving each other and working together. Today Ireland is one of the most prosperous countries in the developed world, all because people there got sick and tired of seeking retribution for the crimes of the past.

Uh, wasn't that an accident?

Apparently. Still, poor form giving him a medal. Think of the families of the people who died.