PRESIDENT Bush has hailed the death sentence against Saddam as a milestone and a major achievement that represented a “move to democracy” for Iraq.

“Saddam Hussein was a threat,” he told a rally in Nebraska. “My decision to remove Saddam Hussein was the right decision, and the world is better off for it.”

Earlier, Dan Bartlett, one of the President’s senior advisers, said that Mr Bush expected an increase in violence but was confident that US and Iraqi forces would contain it.

Tony Snow, Mr Bush’s spokesman, dismissed as “crazy” suggestions that the verdict had been handed down 48 hours before US mid-term elections to boost Republican candidates. “This is getting the Iraqis to stand up on their own,” he said.

Condoleezza Rice, the Secretary of State, said that the conviction was a “reminder to Iraqis that the rule of law can triumph over the rule of fear”.

John McCain, the Arizona senator and leading con- tender for the Republicans’ 2008 presidential nomination, said: “I hope he goes to that special place in Hell that is reserved for him as soon as possible.”

Harry Reid, the Democrats’ Senate leader, said that the verdict had brought long- deserved justice for the Iraqis, but that they had “traded a dictator for chaos” since the US-led invasion.

Times Recommends

• Rio Tinto four held as China prepares case
• Diplomats must keep heads down and trousers up
• When in Rome should one make like Berlusconi?