AZIZ POONAWALLA WRITES:

The images we all saw on television worldwide yesterday will be in our world history books as one of the defining moments of the 21st century. Alongside those of 9-11, yin and yang. I was and still am opposed to war on Iraq – not the idea of war per se, but like Howard Dean, by the route to which we justified and pursued war. But winning the war was never in doubt and my heart is is full of satisfaction at seeing the statues of Saddam fall at last.

I am however quite disappointed by the attitude of many who oppose the war – who seem to have a grudging attitude towards the liberation. IRAQ IS FREE. Regardless of your politics, your principles, your attitudes – this must be the shared event that we all celebrate.

I want to see Iraq a peaceful, free and prosperous place. It wasn’t going to be that any time soon without the war. Now it can be — but “can” isn’t the same as “will.”

What worries me is that there are still people — who when agitating for “peace” pretended to have the Iraqis’ interests at heart — who would like to see Iraq descend into the depths again just so they can blame Bush and vindicate themselves. And they’re not all in France.