Saddam verdict rejoices Iraq´s Shiites, outraging Sunnis

"The court sentenced Saddam to death for killing 148 people, but who is going to prosecute the leaders responsible for everyday killing now?" said a Sunni Arab, who only identified himself as Ismail.

"I feel sorry for Saddam, and we didn't support him during his rule. But given what we have seen since he was toppled, it has become clear to us that he was the best man in the world," 46-year-old Imad Mahmoud said.

"The death verdict against President Saddam was not surprising as it was given for the benefit of (George W.) Bush in the congressional election," Hassan al-Dulaimi said.

Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein yells at the court as he receives his verdict during his trial held under tight security in Baghdad''s heavily fortified Green Zone November 5, 2006. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Mohammed al-Dulaimi, a shop owner, warned that more sectarian bloodshed could come with the sentencing, because "Saddam will remain a symbol for all Iraqis as he refused to concede to the Americans."

Editor:Wang Ping