Source :
Asharq Al-Awsat
(Agencies) The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is in a state of "surprise and dismay" at the hanging of deposed Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein on the first day of the Muslim Eid al-Adha festival.
"There is a feeling of surprise and disapproval that the verdict has been applied during the holy months and the first days of Eid al-Adha," a presenter on the official al-Ikhbariya TV said after programming was broken to read a statement.
The statement which was carried on the official Saudi Press Agency went on to say that "Leaders of Islamic countries should show respect for this blessed occasion ... not demean it," said the statement.
"It had been expected that the trial of a former president, who ruled for a considerable length of time, would last longer, ... demonstrate more precision, and not be politicized."