Both chambers of Congress approved a bill yesterday that seemingly completes Col. Muammar Gaddafi's atonement for his terrorist past. The legislation immunizes Libya from terror-related litigation in exchange for a $1 billion settlement that will be dispersed by the State Department to American victims of Libyan-sponsored terrorist attacks. This is terrific news, first of all, for those affected by the 1988 Lockerbie airplane disaster and a 1986 attack on a Berlin discotheque. They and their lawyers have already received millions in payments from Libya, and are likely to recoup a good chunk of the $540 million and $114 million they are still owed, respectively, under previously reached settlements.
The other big beneficiary in this deal? Gaddafi!