On the death of Saddam

The execution of Saddam Hussein this week has been met with both praise and condemnation from the global community. It is my belief that it was the right move by both the Iraqi and American governments to allow such an act. By ending Mr. Hussein's life, both governments and politicians may move past that part in Iraqi history. It is important that the Iraqis and Americans look to whatever future Iraq may have, without dwelling on the bloody reign of Mr. Hussein.

Now, I must say I was not in support of the idea to go to war with Iraq. I felt at the time there were far greater and more pressing issues in foreign policy. But what has happened is not something to debate, rather to accept. Iraq is rid of one tyrant, while home to many more.
Now with Mr. Hussein buried, maybe the Iraqi government can focus on the task of clearing its nation of foreign insurgence.

This week has seen the death of the Butcher of Baghdad, as well as the three thousandth American death. There is a lot more that needs to be done. The Iraqi government MUST quell the sectarian violence, and the Bush Administration MUST recognize its failures and orchestrate a policy which will deliver some semblance of victory. There have been many ideas tossed around about how to achieve those goals, but there needs to be less talk and more action.

In March the United States will have been in Iraq for four years. Yes we rid the nation of its dictator, but we did not adequately set the nation up for success. What we are left with now is a broken nation and the possibility the United States may not come out of the situation the victor. It is imperative the nation succeeds with this war. For whatever side of the aisle you pray to, the defeat of the United States in any war is not beneficial.

Saddam Hussein's execution is a small victory, but there are still miles to go. . .