Murky waters.

Sorry to come back to the al-Megrahi case again, but the news that he has now abandoned his appeal comes as a grave disappointment, though hardly a surprise. It was always clear that the appeal had the potential to uncover facts which would have been embarrassing, to say the least, to the authorities. Although it will of course be hotly denied, I'm sure this is part of a quid pro quo for his early release. The British relatives of those who died will now press for a public inquiry and I wish them luck, but it seems clear that the Establishment are intent of covering their backs, so I don't think they've much chance. The authorities can now point to the abandonment of the appeal as a tacit admission that Mr al-Megrahi was guilty as charged, and that will be that. I just feel totally depressed by the whole business.