Posted on: Wednesday, March 19, 2003

EDITORIAL
Our post-war plans go far beyond Iraq

As the United States slides inevitably into its war with Iraq, it important that everyone — supporters as well as critics — maintain a distinction between the politics of the war and the people who will be called to battle.

It was a distinction lost during Vietnam, to our enduring shame. Many who opposed that war came to take their frustrations out on the men and women who fought it.

That cannot happen this time. The men and women in harm's way in the Middle East volunteered to serve their country and defend it when called. That is what they will do, and they deserve the full support of all Americans.

On a larger scale, both opponents and backers of the war should find common ground on the issues that will extend far beyond whatever happens in Iraq.

Our country needs a comprehensive, coherent Middle East policy that extends far beyond ousting Saddam Hussein. How will regime change in Iraq fit in with larger regional policy?

In the region, we must develop an even-handed policy that demonstrates a deep understanding of current fears and ancient antagonisms.

Also, we must articulate a policy that makes it clear to the Arab world we do not intend to impose American culture and American politics in areas where it is not wanted.

The first signal of that will be in the details of how we deal with a post-Saddam Iraq. If that nation becomes a proxy client for the United States, you can be sure others in the region will not rest comfortably.

To bring a permanent peace to the Middle East, we will need the cooperation, not the suspicion, of the rest of the Arab world.