You Are Cordially Invited to the First Annual Saddam Snuff Night

"Today Saddam Hussein was executed after receiving a fair trial - the kind of justice he denied the victims of his brutal regime.

"Saddam Hussein's execution comes at the end of a difficult year for the Iraqi people and for our troops. Bringing [him] to justice will not end the violence in Iraq, but it is an important milestone on Iraq's course to becoming a democracy that can govern, sustain, and defend itself, and be an ally in the war on terror.

"Many difficult choices and further sacrifices lie ahead. Yet the safety and security of the American people require that we not relent in ensuring that Iraq's young democracy continues to progress."

[George Bush]

"I welcome the fact that Saddam Hussein has been tried by an Iraqi court for at least some of the appalling crimes he committed against the Iraqi people. He has now been held to account.

"The British government does not support the use of the death penalty, in Iraq or anywhere else. We advocate an end to the death penalty worldwide, regardless of the individual or the crime.

"We have made our position very clear to the Iraqi authorities, but we respect their decision as that of a sovereign nation."

[Margaret Beckett]

Yes, the West are in celebratory mood. If you listen carefully, you can hear the sounds of champagne corks popping in an orgasmic explosion. For sure, the video of this state sponsored murder will be handed around in a brown paper bag for generations to come. Bush will no doubt have 'Saddam Snuff Nights', where the video footage is played on a loop for the entertainment of those who trust in the American way. The UK government will, of course, accept any invitations to attend but will be seen tutting in the corner.

The truth of the matter is that, as under the dictator, the accused had a deeply flawed trial before being murdered by the state. But then, this is different. This is democratically elected state murder, which is all the more palatable for hand wringing Westerners. As the Americans well know, human rights abuses are acceptable as long as they are conducted by a democratic government.