"God's Retribution."

As the rest of the world -- the United States and Israel in particular -- mourns the loss of the space shuttle Columbia and its seven crew members, Iraqi officials rejoiced. They called the disaster "God's retribution" on the United States.

"We are happy that it broke up," said government employee Abdul Jabbar al-Quraishi. "God wants to show that his might is greater than the Americans. They have encroached on our country. God is avenging us."

One of the fallen astronauts was Israeli Defense Force Col. Ilan Ramon, the Jewish state's first man in space. He flew an Israeli warplane on a raid that destroyed Iraq's main nuclear research reactor in 1981.

"Israel launched an aggression on us when it raided our nuclear reactor without any reason, now time has come and God has retaliated to their aggression," al-Tamini said.

Palestinian Reaction Muted, Sorrowful

Unlike September 11th, 2001, there were no celebrations or joyous demonstrations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip of Israel when news of Saturday's shuttle disaster broke. Instead, Palestinian officials offered their condolences to the families of the six American families and relatives of Col. Ramon.

Other World Reaction

Russian President Vladimir Putin: The seven members of Columbia's crew had "given their lives to conquering the dangers of space in the name of peace, science and progress of civilization."

French President Jacques Chirac:  "In the name of the French people, forever a friend to the American people, I express to you the profound emotion and feeling of solidarity in the ordeal that all my compatriots are feeling."

Walter Schwimmer, Gen. Secy., Council of Europe: "The seven astronauts on board were accomplished women and men of great courage who put their extraordinary skills and knowledge to the service of humankind."

Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien: "Each one was a hero. Their contribution to science and space exploration will never be forgotten."

FMI: www.nasa.gov