Posted on: Monday, December 15, 2003

EDITORIAL
Saddam's capture does not end U.S. role

Yesterday's capture of Saddam Hussein is an undeniable psychological victory for the United States and its allies who are working to reshape and reform Iraq.

The core question going forward is whether Saddam's capture and inevitable trial will make the dicey task of rebuilding Iraq any easier or more successful.

It's not all that clear.

It could be argued that by capturing the former president, the United States has pinched off the head of the stubborn and often violent resistance to its occupation and rebuilding efforts. But that doesn't seem to be the case.

While Saddam may have had some role in the resistance so far, it is clear from the circumstances of his capture that he was far from the vigorous and efficient resistance leader some might have imagined.

Instead of the dapper, confident and controlling leader most Iraqis remember, we have images of a disheveled, exhausted and almost meek Saddam Hussein, hiding in a pitiful "spider hole" and offering no resistance.

The optimistic hope is that Saddam's capture will free those who want positive change for Iraq to come forward, now that they know this feared dictator will not return. Most analysts agreed that there were significant portions of the Iraqi public who could not accept that the dictator was truly gone.

With the fear factor eliminated, it is possible more people will participate in the rebuilding of Iraq, testify about crimes against humanity and perhaps even point toward those elusive weapons of mass destruction.

That certainly was President Bush's message to the Iraqi people yesterday:

"This afternoon, I have a message for the Iraqi people: This is further assurance that the torture chambers and the secret police are gone forever. You will not have to fear the rule of Saddam Hussein ever again," the president said.

Saddam Hussein may be among those who testify, but don't count on it. His task from here on out is to do what he can to save his own skin, a difficult assignment indeed. He is unlikely to say things that would, in effect, indict himself.

We must also be aware that Saddam's capture will not end the aggressive resistance to the American presence in Iraq. That was also an important part of the President's message yesterday.

The resistance exists with or without Saddam Hussein. Part of it is indigenous and part of it is imported from other parts of the Middle East where opposition to the United States and what it stands for is virulent.

Saddam Hussein's capture was an important milestone. But our work in Iraq continues. We should use this victory as an opportunity to be magnanimous, to look forward and ask the international community to join us in making Iraq the peaceful, democratic and prosperous place it can and should be.