In cold blood

The fate of any Western hostages in the so-called Sunni triangle of Iraq was probably sealed the moment the US launched its assault on Fallujah. Thus, just when you thought the tragedy of post-war Iraq could hardly be more shocking, along comes news that Margaret Hassan had been murdered. A woman who devoted her adult life to helping Iraqis through the cruelties and deprivations of Saddam Hussein's rule, she deserved to enjoy the benefits that a free Iraq would have offered. It defies belief that human beings can think such a cold-blooded slaying can serve their cause; all it will do is harden attitudes further.

The fate of any Western hostages in the so-called Sunni triangle of Iraq was probably sealed the moment the US launched its assault on Fallujah. Thus, just when you thought the tragedy of post-war Iraq could hardly be more shocking, along comes news that Margaret Hassan had been murdered. A woman who devoted her adult life to helping Iraqis through the cruelties and deprivations of Saddam Hussein's rule, she deserved to enjoy the benefits that a free Iraq would have offered. It defies belief that human beings can think such a cold-blooded slaying can serve their cause; all it will do is harden attitudes further.