News of Saddam Hussein’s imminent execution provoked widely differing reactions among Iraqis on Wednesday, with some welcoming the demise of their former persecutor and many afraid that it would cause further disruption to their lives, and others convinced that the president would strike a last-minute deal to avoid death.

Iraqi officials announced on Tuesday that the execution could be carried out at any time, but suggested that it would probably not take place until after the four-day Eid al-Adha holiday, which is due to start at the end of the week.