Because the war on terror will require resolve and patience, it will also require firm moral purpose. In this way our struggle is similar to the Cold War…moral clarity was essential to our victory…
Here are two different people killed by members of Iraq’s Mahdi militia:
Like all eight soldiers killed that night…[Sheehan] was part of a quick response team that rushed out of Forward Operating Base Eagle to rescue a platoon pinned down by gunfire in Sadr City…The firefight lasted into the early morning of Monday, wounding some 50 soldiers who went out in waves to put down the attack by a militia loyal to Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.
Saddam: (as the noose is put around his neck) Ya Allah [Oh God].
Witness: Mercy be on those who pray for Mohammed and the household of Muhammed.
All: Mercy be on those who pray for Mohammed and the household of Muhammed—
Executioner and two witnesses: And hasten his [the Madhi’s] return, curse his enemy and grant victory to his son, Muqtada, Muqtada, Muqtada!…
Iraqi National Security Advisor Muwafaq Al-Rubai’i: Longlive Mohammed Baqir Al-Sadr!…
Saddam: I witness that there is no god but Allah, and that Mohammed is the messenger of Allah. I witness that there is no god but Allah, and that Mohammed is the—[trap door is opened]
What would be really morally clear is if the men taunting Saddam had personally killed Sheehan too. But that may be too much moral clarity to hope for. In any case, I think we have lots more moral clarity to look forward to in 2007 when the U.S. tries to kill Sadr and all his supporters who participated in Saddam’s execution.