[Editorial] Terrorism Cannot Make Us Waver

A tragedy, in which four South Koreans were attacked, including two dead, occurred in Iraq a couple of days ago. Korea has now become a direct target of terrorism following Italy, Spain, and Japan. The incident stirs rage, all the more, because it was an indiscriminate attack against unarmed civilians.

Primal concerns are, of course, for the safety of the wounded and all Koreans in Iraq, but the aftershocks of this incident on Korea are also an issue of deep concern. There is no doubt that the civic groups will raise their voice in demanding the withdrawal of the troop dispatch plan. However, this will only bring more confusion and difficulties to the much-disputed plan.

Simply put, it is unheard of that a national decision is put under fire again because of a terrorist act. It is a matter of national pride to stand up against inhumane acts of terror. Therefore, the government made the right decision when it announced yesterday that the terrorist incident would not affect the decision to send troops to Iraq. Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi had also declared Japan would not “succumb to terrorist attacks” after Japanese were previously killed by terrorist acts. The government should continue to place much emphasis on its principles. Those against the dispatch plan should also refrain from using this incident to justify their case.

The situation is getting worse in Iraq with 15 people from five countries, including Korea, sacrificed for this cause last weekend. The government must seek measures to minimize further sacrifices in the process of settling specific details of the troop dispatch plan such as its size and whether it would include combat troops. It will be easier for the people to accept the unavoidability of the dispatch, if the government displays caution.

At present, it is imperative to establish security for Koreans in Iraq. The Foreign Ministry must prudently make sure there is no more loss of life by establishing emergency contact information and evacuation plans.