Israel: "Saddam Hussein brought about his own demise. This was a man who caused a great deal of harm to his people and who was a major threat to Isra… - Execution of Saddam Hussein

Palestinian Authority: In the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the execution of Saddam Hussein sent many Palestinians into mourning. Palestinians struggled to come to terms with the demise of their steadfast ally. In the West Bank town of Bethlehem locals opened a house of condolence, where dozens of people gathered to mourn Saddam. The organizers hung Iraqi flags, pictures of Hussein and played Iraqi revolutionary songs.

European Union:European Commissioner for Development Aid Louis Michel stated that the execution of Saddam Hussein is against the fundamental principles of the European Union. The EU is against the death penalty, whatever are the crimes committed. "It is not a big day for democracy," Michel stated to the RTBF. "The EU is in fierce opposition to the death penalty and there is no exception to that fundamental principle. Cruelty is not to be answered with cruelty. I believe that there were other possible means to revenge the cruelties committed by Saddam. The death penalty is not the right answer." He fears that the execution of Saddam has a negative impact and that the former dictator will emerge as a martyr. "You don't fight barbarism with acts that I deem as barbaric. The death penalty is not compatible with democracy," he told Reuters.

The people of Iraq now know that their brutal dictator will never come back to lead them. While many will continue to grieve over their personal loss under his rule, his death marks an important step in consigning his tyrannical regime to the judgment of history and pursuing a process of reconciliation now and in the future.