WASHINGTON (Reutres) - As the sun rises this morning over a battered, poverty-stricken landscape, the second most dangerous man in the world is surrounded by soldiers, tanks, unmanned observation drones, artillery, and a phalanx of high-powered aircraft. After three long years of terrorizing the United States, he and a number of his closest aides have finally been tracked down.

Thanks to the cooperation of U.S. and international forces, his movements were accurately determined late last week. On Wednesday — armed with up-to-date intelligence — infantry were sent to surround his compound, leaving him and his fanatical followers with no avenues of escape. Late last night, the multi-pronged attack was postponed due to darkness, but with the coming of daylight, military sources said they expect the fight to continue, possibly with the assistance of pin-point air support from the United States Air Force.

The questions remain for American citizens — as well as government officials: Will he take his own life rather than suffer the humiliation of his old friend Saddam Hussein? Or is it better that this monster is captured alive, to face swift justice before the eyes of the world — and appropriate punishment for his crimes against humanity? At this point, one can only ponder the options and hope that some closure will be coming soon.

Over the last few days, Americans have suffered an onslaught of bad news — from Iraq to Afghanistan to Fresno, California. America needs a positive development, a glimpse of hope for the future, a sign that some of the worst criminals in history are finally being rounded up and punished for their deeds. With their inherent optimism and resiliency, Americans continue to hope and pray that for one moment in a long national nightmare — evil will falter and justice will prevail.

The words they so desperately long to hear: that a young American soldier stands over a filthy, dark spider hole saying,

"Vice President Cheney, come out with your hands up."