You know, the more I think where this is all leading, I cannot believe that Salmond and McAskill have opted to put themselves and their respective long and illustrious careers (and perhaps the SNP's astonishing, and merited, resurgence in Scotland) at jeopardy over this whole affair.
Why oh why did they not appreciate how quite obviously woeful the original courts findings were and that together with the very apparent growing scepticism - strengthened by the SCCRC determination - not ensure Megrahi's appeal concluded and granted compassionate release if deemed appropriate? Yes, I understand the huge political ramifications, not too mention the damning indictment of the Scottish justice system. However, allowing the conclusion of the appeal no matter the implications, would have also represented an acknowledgement of the failures this particular huge and complex case had produced, and as Salmond is so keen on reiterating the justice system is a cornerstone of the SNP's claims for complete independence, while reinforcing their own committment to separation, morally and politically, from their old rulers in Westminster.
Essentially, the problem I now foresee is that, one way or another, the absurdity and utter irrational nature of the original conviction of Megrahi will be exposed. Perhaps it will be another 6months, or even another 6 years, but inevitably it will emerge. The growing disbelief, notably from very highly respected sources from within the justice system itself, the pressure being applied from the continuing debating over the JFM petition for an public enquiry, the calls for the SCCRC report to be made public, and on Megrahi's imminent death, the undoubted applications that will be made to take up the dropped appeal, seem to me to have only one inevitable outcome, even if only one of these propositions comes to pass.
This could cause immense damage to the SNP, and almost certainly cast a huge stain on the remarkable career of Salmond and his invaluable role in the incredible revival of the SNP in Scotland bringing about historic results. And yet quite simply taking the bull by the horns with regards to the Megrahi case in 2007 and 2009 may well have firmly established the SNP as not only attempting to right an obvious wrong, none of which had occurred under its administration, but demonstrated their sincerity and seriousness for its ideology of separation and independent of westminster. Sadly, it appears they have, for reasons I may never fully understand, allowed themselves to be complicit in the continuing lies and outrageous miscarriage of justice that was allowed to transpire.
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