Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=04/04/2003

TYPE=EDITORIAL

NUMBER=0-10539

TITLE=EDITORIAL: ONLY UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER

INTERNET=Yes

CONTENT=THIS EDITORIAL IS BEING REISSUED WITH A CORRECTION FOR IMMEDIATE USE BY ALL SERVICES. IT REPLACES EDITORIAL 0-10533 ("VICTORY FOR THE IRAQI PEOPLE"), WHICH CAN BE USED AT A LATER DATE.

Anncr: Next, an editorial reflecting the views of the United States Government:

Voice: The Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussein is losing the war against the U.S.-led coalition. In Baghdad, the Iraqi people are seeing that the coalition is attacking regime and leadership targets, and sparing population centers.

The majority of Iraqis do not support Saddam Hussein. Their obedience is based on fear. And, said President George W. Bush, "the world has seen firsthand the cruel nature of a dying regime":

(ACT1 :32 DALET: POLICY/EDITORIALS)

"In areas still under its control, the regime continues its rule by terror. Prisoners of war have been brutalized and executed. Iraqis who refuse to fight for the regime are being murdered. An Iraqi woman was hanged for waving at coalition troops. Some in the Iraqi military have pretended to surrender, then opened fire on coalition forces that showed them mercy. Given the nature of this regime, we expect such war crimes, but we will not excuse them. War criminals will be hunted relentlessly and judged severely." (END ACT)

A growing number of Iraqis, both inside and outside Iraq, have rightly refused orders to attack coalition forces. Those who attack will be held accountable for their crimes. The circumstance of the regime is such that Iraqi officials are spreading absurd rumors that the coalition has entered into a cease-fire negotiation with the regime. This is totally false. U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld made it clear that there are "no negotiations taking place with anyone in Saddam Hussein's regime":

(ACT2 :16 DALET: POLICY/EDITORIALS)

"There will be no outcome to this war that leaves Saddam Hussein and his regime in power. Let there be no doubt. His time will end, and soon. The only thing that the coalition will discuss with this regime is their unconditional surrender." (END ACT)

The war to liberate the people of Iraq has been underway only a short time. More tough fighting may well be ahead. But the outcome is assured. Saddam Hussein and his henchmen will be removed from power. The Iraqi people will be free.

Anncr: That was an editorial reflecting the views of the United States Government. If you have a comment, please write to Editorials, V-O-A, Washington, D-C, 20237, U-S-A. You may also comment at www-dot-voanews-dot-com-slash-editorials, or fax us at (202) 619-1043.