&#91EDITORIALS&#93America’s post-war tasks

As Baghdad falls into the hands of the U.S. forces after 21 days of conflict, the war in Iraq appears to be winding down. Although Iraq has not officially surrendered to the allied forces and the fate of Iraq’s president, Saddam Hussein, is unknown, the nation is no longer under his rule.
Through this war, the United States intended to preach the policy of preemptive war, demonstrating the military capability of a superpower. But it is too early to say the war is over. Although the American military has accomplished a splendid victory, capturing the enemy’s capital in a lightning thrust, harder tasks lie ahead. Getting full recognition for a victory depends on how the United States handles affairs related to post-war Iraq.
Washington spoke for the restoration of freedom and human rights of the Iraqis and the removal of weapons of mass destruction to justify the war. Weapons of mass destruction have not yet been uncovered. A war without the support of the United Nations weakened the cause. By inflicting a large number of civilian casualties, the United States has come under attack from the international community. Depending on how Washington concludes the war, it is able to regain honor in the world.
The United States has captured Baghdad by force. To be a real winner, it must throw away unilateralism and seek international cooperation in post-war Iraq rehabilitation. Participation of the United Nations and the international community in decisions on the composition of an interim Iraq government and post-war Iraq reconstruction plans should be guaranteed. First of all, to establish a genuinely democratic government in Iraq, as is promised by Washington, a system reflecting the will of the Iraqi people should be established. Through neighboring Arab countries, Washington must devise a policy for peace in the Middle East. This will dispel suspicion that the Americans started a war for oil.
In the spirit of humanitarianism, Korea should participate in post-war rehabilitation as soon as possible and respond swiftly to the changing international environment.