It is still possible to hate the war, but to give thanks for regime change

national | miscellaneous | news report Tuesday April 08, 2003 23:26 by Avi H

Even now, as the troops move softly into Baghdad, the humanitarian cost of this invasion remains incalculable By Deborah Orr in the London Independent

Among the jumble of justifications, aims and excuses, surely one outcome can be looked upon by everyone, pro-war and anti-war, with some satisfaction. As US troops wander the presidential palaces or Baghdad airport's VIP lounge, as evidence of Saddam's torture and terror is uncovered and as men approach checkpoints saying they have been forced into becoming human bombs, who doubts that the ousting of this vile leadership is in itself a decent thing?

Certainly, many Iraqis seem keen enough on the idea of Saddam's imminent collapse. Some have requested that statues of Saddam be destroyed. Others are becoming bold in reassuring British and American soldiers that they appreciate what is being done in their name. Some go further, and tip off the invaders as to where the common enemy can be found.