"violence like waterfalls"

Hosni Mubarak warns that Saddam's execution "will transform (Iraq) into blood pools and lead to a deepening of the sectarian and ethnic conflicts".

Who knows whether more severe violence can be avoided? From the beginning this all depended on the Iraqi people, and how much they want a stable system that allows for both sects to live together. If they aren't ready to fight against corruption, outside groups operating there, and for guaranteed rights, they may slide back into chaos. You can lead a horse to water.

It's a noble thing to deliver the captives and oppressed, and what they do with freedom doesn't tarnish that. Whatever we do now, the overthrow of Saddam and his sons, and the opportunity of ordinary people to vote have changed the region forever.

Maybe we should just serve notice that any regime which stages a coup or seeks to reverse the changes we've made will be targeted. Then leave and watch.