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A criminal has tumbled from his luxurious palace into a cramped
eight-foot hole in the earth. On Saturday, December 12th, around
8:30 p.m., American soldiers found Saddam Hussein alive in a hole
near the Tigris River. But truth cannot be buried. What a day of
liberation for the Iraqi people, a day of national pride for
Americans, and a day of gratitude to all the soldiers and
civilians who lost their lives to overcome a cruel and selfish
bully.
Could the removal
of this bully have been accomplished in any other way? Every
democratic nation and those friendly to democracies seemed to
react enthusiastically to Saddam's capture as good news. Some
people, however, maintain the opinion that the same result or
better results could have been brought about through discussion
and negotiation. Setting aside the different strategical choices
which various political leaders might have made, and without
minimizing the extreme seriousness of the choice of war, let us
take a look at two of the men who were responsible for forming
many of the decisions and coalition activities which led to
Saddam's capture.
Credit ought to be
given foremost to President George W. Bush and to Prime Minister
Tony Blair. Theirs was an unwavering partnership in purpose: to
free the Iraqi people from a sadistic dictator and to secure the
civilized world from terrorism. Can their motivation and
commitment really be doubted at this point? Even by those who
would have chosen a different course of action? Even by those who
have legitimate grievances against America? Have the results of
their collaboration not become more tangible? Is there really any
civilized person who did not breathe a sigh of relief when the
news was announced on Sunday?
Tony Blair expressed
it well. "It removes the shadow that has been hanging over
them [the Iraqi people] for too long of the nightmare of a return
to the Saddam regime. This fear is now removed." Yes, let us
hope that the removal of this bully will release the Iraqis to
rebuild their true society and culture. Saddam will be brought to
justice, but other anti-democratic cells continue to hate. These
cells also have some decision-making to do: whether to retaliate
or to accept defeat now.
Here are some other
reactions to Saddam's capture. "In Yemen, Mohammed Abdel
Qader Mohammadi, 50, said he was surprised Saddam didn't fight his
capture. 'I expected him to resist or commit suicide before
falling into American hands. He disappointed a lot of us, he's a
coward.'" Those are strong words, and a sobering description.
The government of Spain had this to say: "'The time has come
for him to pay for his crimes,' said Spanish Prime Minister Jose
Maria Aznar, an outspoken supporter of the war to oust Saddam,
despite widespread opposition at home. 'He is responsible for the
killing of millions of people over the last 30 years. He is a
threat to his people and to the entire world.'" France,
Germany, Australia, and Japan also immediately extended their
congratulations.
For those
individuals and communities who have grievances against America,
perhaps Tony Blair's words can provide a healing perspective.
"Muslims were Saddam's victims, Muslims today in Iraq are the
beneficiaries of his demise. Let's remember all those Iraqis that
died under Saddam, the remains of 400,000 human beings already
found in mass graves." It was Saddam who abused his position
of power to persecute innocent Muslims. It was Americans and
brave supporters who gave their lives to end this persecution and
to open the possibility of a free Iraq.
President Bush was
steadfast in his resolve to engage in a successful war. If only
in terms of his ability to finish what he started, he has to be
worthy of praise. He did his job. Nobody has to like the
president or America, but credit must be given where credit is
due. It is as though the humiliation of the Vietnam experience no
longer defines the limits of American moral or military capacity.
(Not that any war should be fought for this reason.) In Vietnam
we experienced a waste of life and resources over several years.
It has always been a national wound and shame. President Bush's
determination has enabled us to lift our heads with love of
country and has empowered our will to create effective
humanitarian partnerships.
Thirty-five years
after Saddam came into power, two years and three months after the
terrorist attacks on America, and nine months after the beginning
of the war in Iraq, there is closure to one man's oppressive rule
and direct threat to all peace-loving peoples. Let us hope and
pray for peace on earth this Christmas, and let us vow to
appreciate and protect one another's rights. That would be the
best way to say thanks to the soldiers and civilians who
sacrificed their lives and to those who continue to guard
civilization. (Written 12/15/03: bibliography available.)
Until we meet
again....... .......stay sane.
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