Whatever it takes

The United States is moving toward a military strike against Iraq. Some 30 U.S. warships, loaded with bombers and missiles, are steaming in or near the Gulf. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Secretary of Defense William Cohen are being dispatched to Europe and the Middle East to drum up support, or at least understanding, among allies. Pentagon spokesman Kenneth Bacon cited "an increasing feeling that the diplomatic options have exhausted themselves..."

A bombing campaign would likely be sustained and destructive. Its goal, according to administration officials, would be to greatly diminish Saddam Hussein's ability to make, store and deploy weapons of mass destruction; to weaken him, militarily and politically; and to deter him from further military adventures. The hope is that a bombing campaign would also persuade Iraq's leader to let the United Nations back in. But U.S. officials acknowledge that a bombing campaign cannot guarantee that result.

It is crucial, therefore, that the administration make it clear -- both to Saddam Hussein and to the American people -- that the imminent bombing campaign, if it becomes necessary, is not the end of U.S. policy in Iraq but rather a beginning step. Mr. Clinton stated America's goal properly and resolutely. Now the country must do whatever it takes to realize that goal.

-- The Washington Post