[Editorial] Roh`s Support of War against Iraq for National Interest

World peace, which had barely been maintained, has finally broken up. At early dawn yesterday, cruise missiles launched by U.S. ships flew into what is known as a hideout for the Iraqi leadership and shuddered awake the Iraqi people. Pacifists` hope for a peaceful resolution was shattered.

There has been an undesirable yet unseverable relationship between Iraq and the U.S., which is now waging war again with Iraq since the last one 12 years ago. The two nations still show hostility towards one another. However, the situation is very different compared to 12 years ago. There is no clear cause for war with Iraq, as was the case 12 years ago, when Iraq invaded Kuwait and the United Nations did not approve. This time, the phrase " U.S. invasion" is not an exaggeration.

In any case, the war has already begun. Though a lot of people have chanted anti-war slogans around the world and even traditional allies of the U.S., such as France and Germany, have strongly opposed strikes on Iraq. The U.S. willingness to "disarm Iraq" was not dampened though. This is today`s reality in the international community. Today, it is difficult to find a cause that takes precedence over arguments for preventing terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass destruction.

U.S. President George W. Bush defined this war as one to liberate the Iraqi people and protect the world from critical danger. It is not easy to dismiss the case that Iraq`s weapons of mass destruction threaten world security. In this context, President Roh Moo-hyun`s speech is quite understandable. During the address to the nation, the president expressed support of the U.S. war in the interest of the nation. Considering the Korean-U.S. alliance and the threat posed by Pyongyang, his decision to support the U.S. is quite reasonable.

And although it is somewhat worrying how the war against Iraq will develop, the bigger problem is its aftermath. The war certainly entails some sacrifices in both of the warring parties. The U.S. launched a preemptive attack for the first time, which means another such attack is probable. Mr. Bush proclaimed that he would not let an outlaw regime threatening world peace do what it wants. North Korea is certain to fall under this category.

Though we failed to prevent war, we should not give up efforts to reduce possible damage from the war. For his part, President Roh should make efforts so that the current war does not negatively impact inter-Korean relations.