In spite of the last 24 years the Iraqi people have a past to be proud of, before Hussien do not forget they were one of the most progressive countries in the region. They were one of the first to treat women with parity, both in education and position. Before the Baath partty seized power the country was slowly moving towards democracy. If history had been a little different they might be one of the best examples of what an Islamic country could truely be.

I was deeply struck by one of the reports of an elderly man sitting on a curb watching the statue being pulled down. He was weeping, a reporter asked him what he wept for.

"I am ashamed" he said. He watched the American tanks and Bradleys rolling by. "Saddam had to be removed, and I am grateful he is gone. But now foriegn soldiers are in my country."

I have to say, I can understand his feelings. I would almost certainly feel the same. I wonder, how many of those who still fight do not so so because of Hussien, but because a foriegn army is on their soil? Patriotism is not an American monopoly.

We have to finish this, fast, with as little damage as possible. Get the country started in the right direction and get the hell out of there. The longer we stay the more resentment there will be. The kind of resentment that produces constant hit and run attacks, suicide bombers and all the other unpleasantness.