Editorial

Capture offers a moment of hope

Saddam Hussein has been snared. Decades of vicious oppression and terror are truly at an end. What a wonderful day for the people of Iraq, who may now begin to choose their future.

What a wonderful day for the American military. The capture was the result of hard, yet delicate and persistent effort. This is more than armored battle and proves the honed effectiveness of our armed forces.

We can be proud, but should avoid euphoria. The future of Iraq is not certain. Success is not assured. Building a democracy is a long and difficult process. Those who would promote terror and chaos, killing Americans and Iraqis, may not fade away.

As the world enjoys the glow of this moment, America needs to be on guard against becoming our own enemy. Suppression, while necessary, risks the killing of children and civilians. Profiteering will be viewed as theft and will generate national hatred, not thanks.

If we are able to provide security, to quickly bestow upon Iraq the benefits of freedom and democracy, if we refuse the temptation to justify a smash and grab, if we remain steadfast in our commitment to the ideals of humanity and liberty, today may indeed light a lamp for the world's oppressed.

Eric Dolson