We have to congratulate the Lebanese people for their success today, but at the same time know that their fight for democracy in Lebanon is just beginning. Syria has spent nearly two decades in Lebanon their political operatives and guerrillas will be there for years to come. The Syrians are unlikely to just walk away from their investment in Lebanon and the pressures on the Lebanese government to acquiesce to the demands from Damascus, will be great. The United States and the European Union need to stand behind the leaders of this democracy movement and give them what support we can offer in hopes it will help them transition to a free and open democracy.
As counterpoint to the democratic success in Lebanon today Iraq suffered in other devastating bloody terrorist attack today. As many as 125 people were killed today by a suicide bomber, the often quoted saying that "Freedom is not free" is being demonstrated with the blood of the Iraqi people. The United States has lost nearly 1500 lives today date in hopes of establishing a democracy in Iraq, but it is the Iraqis that are suffering the most. I can only hope that all lives that have been sacrificed will result in a freer and safer world.
If the United States war in Iraq turns out to be the catalyst to a wave of Freedom that sweeps the Middle East, George Bush may go down as one of the most brilliant presidents ever. Even some critics of the war in Iraq are now beginning to openly wonder if they were wrong. I personally think they are wrong, but the proof will not be available for years to come.
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