FOUR AND DONE
The war is not even four weeks old, and already the Pentagon decrees that "major combat" in Iraq is over. With the fall of Tikrit, no more strongholds remain standing for Iraqi forces. Small skirmishes are expected to continue, but the coalition's focus now turns to peacekeeping, humanitarian aid and restoring order from weeks of looting.

Searching for weapons of mass destruction remains high on the priority list as well, and other nations that may be harboring them. Syria has been the subject of pointed remarks made by the U.S. in recent days, with accusations also flying of Iraqi officials taking refuge in the neighboring country.

But the U.S. will still have its hands full with Iraq, and attempting to establish a new government there. Talks begin today between U.S., British and Iraqi factions in trying to steer the best possible course for the divided country.





U.S. Marines drive their armored vehicle through the main square of ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's home town of Tikrit, central Iraq. With their war all but won in less than four weeks, the United States and Britain headed into talks on April 15 with Iraq's fractious groups on how to rule the country now that Saddam Hussein is gone. (Reuters)

The Other Side - Analysis, angles and opinions on the Web

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The Law of Unintended Consequences: Will the War in Iraq Spur Proliferation?, Republicons - Has the war on Iraq opened an international Pandora's Box?

Lie Under the Guise of Virtue, Pravda (Russia) - A counterpoint to the "military hardware" charges leveled by the U.S. and U.K. against Russia and France.

Moral hijinks over post-war Iraq, National Post (Canada) - Letting U.S. companies reap the financial benefits of post-war Iraq is not hypocrisy, says this writer.

Not ready, and all too ready, Berkshire Eagle - Are American troops in even more danger than they were during combat?

Payback?, Sierra Times - This columnist has a few choice words for Russian president Vladimir Putin and chief U.N. weapons inspector Hans Blix.

After the Combat, Depression, Chosun Ilbo (Korea) - A Korean reporter describes the emptiness he feels after the combat has dissipated and he prepares to return home.