Abdel Baset al-Megrahi, the only person tried and convicted over the downing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, was released from prison last week. al-Megrahi was released due to "humanitarian reasons," according to Scottish officials. The convicted terrorist has prostate cancer and is not expected to live much longer.

What was galling to people was the warm embrace by Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi. It was as if he were giving this murderer a hero's welcome home. This man was responsible for murdering 270 innocent people. But, perhaps what has set anger at new levels is the statement by Libyan officials "... that the release of the bomber was linked explicitly to trade deals benefiting Britain." I simply can't imagine that happening. The majority of the people killed were Americans. I can't believe England would risk angering such a close ally with some backroom deal. The British government has strongly denied there was any link to the release of al-Megrahi and business dealings. I simply can't believe England would do this. But, if this allegation gains legs, there are going to be some very upset people on both sides of the pond.