This, combined with a serious concentration on quick and successful rebuilding in Iraq will potentially create a country that is self-governing, self-sufficient and capable of being a great place to live. This is the goal of every American because I feel confident in saying that we all want troops to come home out of harm's way. The best way to do that is to finish the job of establishing Iraq as a viable country. I know that there will still be a lot more time and commitment involved in the campaign in Iraq, but today is a clear step in the right direction to doing the job properly.
The United States has been divided since the war was announced. There is a clear anger and mistrust amongst groups of our citizens and the leadership of this country. These are some of the things that make our country great, but regardless of the different stances on whether the war in Iraq was moral and/or justifiable, it was a path chosen by the leadership. Given the fact that this decision was made, I am confident in saying that the events of today are a step toward accomplishing the goals that bind us all; a safe and quick return home for the United States military.
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Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
Very thoughtful and well done - if we cant' share a little relief and sense of accomplishment today, when can we?
2 - Hal Pawluk
"should make every single American relieved if not happy."
Get a grip, Craig.
Saddam is a bad guy, it's good he's been captured, but this has nothing to do with the war on terrorism so I don't see where "relief" fits. I'd be more relieved if I saw some signs that the administration understood that getting out of Iraq is going to take international cooperation and assistance, and if they focused on the war on terrorism.
Instead, I see Wolfowitz driving away countries like Canada, which is risking the lives of its citizens in the war on terrorism in Afghanistan. In fact, Canadians have had their troops bombed by Americans but are still there (Relatives of four Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan by an American bomb accepted Bronze Star medals from the United States). Did they really deserve to be mentioned in that memo last week? Did the memo show any kind of sense as foreign policy?
3 - Natalie Davis
Craig, you sure do a lot of speaking for what "every American" thinks or feels. Each person is an individual and is entitled to think or feel whatever each thinks or feels.
As for accomplishment... huh? A disoriented, exhausted man -- a terrorist, yes -- gives himself up without a fight. I can hear the TV detective now: "That was just a bit too easy."
As far as the capture, however it happened, yeah, good. Many more terorrists to go. When they're all being tried for their crimes against humanity, then perhaps I will see fit to celebrate, but only if equality for all is in place.
4 - Craig Lyndall
All I was saying is that given the situation this is a good step for getting troops home. I thought that was the one binding goal for all Americans. Excuse me if I overstepped my bounds.
5 - Natalie Davis
Oh, Craig, it is not a matter of overstepping bounds. It's about accuracy. There are plenty of people who were born here who don't ascribe to nationalistic goals. There is no "all." There are those who do and those who do not.
6 - shannon clement
Please tell me what happened the women that were in prison with Mayada. I feel luck to live in this country and be free. I am glad that we liberated Iraq and feel unhappy that the Democrates are trying to stop the good work of President George w. Bush.