Tribune staff

The United States fired the first volley Wednesday night as it begins its operation to disarm Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

While we knew it was coming, it still brings to light a somber reality - our nation is at war.

To the casual television viewer, modern war looks like a movie scene - views of smart bombs guided to the target by electronic wizardry or a squad of high-tech soldiers making its way across the sandy dunes of the desert. War in person, however, looks much different.

The sights, smells, sound and fears are much more real and much more terrifying than any Hollywood film can portray.

However, sometimes war is the only option.

And the current situation is certainly such a case. Quite simply, Saddam is an evil man, and he needs to be removed from power.

Critics will argue that more diplomacy could have avoided war. Perhaps.

However, attempting diplomacy with a man such as Saddam Hussein is unpredictable, at best. Any man who would knowingly attack his own people using chemical weapons cannot be trusted.

U.N. members had attempted to disarm and monitor the state of weapons development in Iraq for years. It was, at the least, a frustrating endeavor as Iraq seemed bound and determined to thwart every possible effort.

For a land rich with oil, Hussein has kept the country's wealth hidden from its people. Imagine the improvements to the quality of life available if Iraq's oil money is funneled to its people rather than lining the pockets of its dictator?

Is the war worth the price both sides will pay in both lives and property?

Only time will tell.

But make no mistake; the consequences will be paid - both by the Americans and the Iraqis. Some innocent people will probably die, but the casualties will likely be much greater should Saddam remain in power.

Our nation must hold its resolve to do the right thing - both for the people of Iraq and the rest of the world.

The biggest question is, do the Iraqi people believe this? As unpredictable as the twisted mind of Saddam Hussein is the sentiment of the people he has tyrannized for years. Will they welcome us as liberators, or will they fight us as invaders?

Nevertheless, President Bush believes our national security is at stake and, consequently, feels war is our only viable option. Whatever the coming weeks, months or years bring, we hope and pray our troops remain safe. A prolonged battle in Iraq could be disastrous.