What secrets have died with the Lockerbie bomber?

The death of convicted Lockerbie bomber Abdel al-Megrahi in Tripoli today closes the book on one of the biggest terror cases before 9/11.

Or does it?

al-Megrahi was released from prison in Scotland in 2009 on "compassionate" grounds. This was controversial at the time, especially among family members of the Lockerbie victims.

It has since become clear that the "compassion" was motivated not by compassion, but by Britain's eagerness to normalize trade relations with Libya. British corporations have been and continue to be major players in Libya's oil industry.

There have also been persistent rumors that the compassionate release was motivated by a desire on the part of the British government and its NATO allies to avoid a second trial that could have resulted from the appeal al-Margahi was pursuing.

Dropping the appeal was a condition of his release.

Who knows what the British had to hide?

For his part, al-Magrahi always maintained his innocence. This is a notable departure for a so-called terrorist.

Usually they like to boast about their successes.