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

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