[Editorial] Roh Feels Headache over Dispatch Issue

Since controversy over whether to send troops to Iraq arose last week, we now disclose our position on the issue for the fourth time. We contended that the government should make a careful decision after considering national interests and that cooperation with the international community, such as a U.N. resolution, is needed.

We also urged the government to tell the U.S. what it wants to say as a sovereign nation. We called on President Roh Moo-hyun himself to make a decision though he needs to consider international political situations and public opinion. We did in hopes that the government will solve this important issue wisely.

In this context, we were really disappointed when the president spoke his mind about the dispatch issue, saying that it gives him a headache. Whether to send troops to Iraq is a national issue faced with the president. Many Koreans might hope that Mr. Roh will recognize that as an issue for him to make the best decision on after collecting various people’s opinions. However, people could not expect from Roh’s recent remarks that he feels a sense of responsibility.

Of course, we understand that perhaps the dispatch issue puts a heavy emotional burden on the president. At a time when the nation is deeply divided over whether to send troops to Iraq, however, the president himself should make a final decision after collecting opinions. Why are there so many Cheong Wa Dae staff members? For what do government ministries exist? The president’s role is to make decisions on national policy, making the best use of them. Because the president is not showing an active response to this issue, his staff members are showing mixed positions.

Roh should instruct his staff to have diplomatic contacts with the U.S. and to gasp public opinion at home. Then, he should reach a conclusion in the best interest of the nation. If the president thinks over and over and a majority of the people sympathize with his conclusion, they can win over the rest of the people for cooperation.

People will make a judgment on the president leadership, watching how he deals with the dispatch issue. And their judgments will surely have an impact on national governance in the future.