BAGHDAD - The death sentence for former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein could deepen a divide that threatens to tear Iraqis apart.

The signs on the street are dangerous already. Several reports have come in of celebrations in Kurdish and Shia areas, with strong protests in Sunni-dominated cities in central Iraq.

Iraq is being ripped apart by sectarian violence between Sunnis and Shias, and many fear that if Saddam Hussein is executed Iraq could slide into civil war.