It is a regime that we must take down as part of our ongoing War on Terror which began after 9/11. However, this task is clearly not easy, and it will require prayer, perseverance and patience for a long time.

Prayer: Right now I ask Mississippians of all faiths to pray for all our coalition forces and the Iraqi people as they engage in an intense but noble battle against what is nothing but sheer evil. America, Britain, Australia, Spain, Poland, Bulgaria and a host of about 40 nations have the courage and the wherewithal to recognize a problem and call Saddam's bluff. Despite what the so-called "world" may say, from a moral perspective most Americans are confident that the decision to topple Saddam is the right one. However, we must be prepared to sustain more losses. Please pray for the families of those fighting, and our prisoners of war. Pray especially for those who have lost loved ones, like the family of Marine Second Lt. Therrel Shane Childers, an outstanding and brave Mississippian who was killed in combat last week. Pray for leaders around the world, especially President Bush. I know him, and I know that he takes ordering our troops into battle very seriously. He is a God-fearing man who wants and needs our prayers at this time.

Perseverance: In the waning days of the first Gulf War 12 years ago, Saddam had been ejected from Kuwait. His forces were on the run. Iraqi people in the south and north were revolting against Saddam. The world thought Saddam's days were numbered. Yet, we looked to the United Nations for guidance, which only gave sanction to drive Saddam from Kuwait, and not to topple his government. We then underestimated the lows to which he would sink in order to retain power. Vigorous rebellions against him were crushed by Saddam's henchmen with extreme brutality. Those Iraqis who had resolved to fight for freedom were not helped by the victorious coalition forces. It was a decision made within the context of those times. In retrospect it was clearly the wrong decision, and free-loving nations around the world, including the UN itself, all share a bit of blame. This time we must be tougher. We will not repeat that mistake. We must stomach the losses and remain focused on removing Saddam Hussein from power for good.

Patience Right now our military is engaging the enemy while minimizing civilian casualties. This is challenging, but consistent with the traditions of our nation and military. This precision is being done on behalf of the Iraqi people, who by and large want to get rid of Saddam, but they are afraid. Like you I am outraged at the pictures of mistreated American prisoners in Baghdad. However, unlike Saddam's marauding barbarians, our forces are professionals. They will not sink to Saddam's level. I hope some folks around the world and even in our own country take careful note of the professionalism of American, British and other coalition forces. These men and women are indeed liberators, fighting for a safer, less violent world. The world for which our troops fight is a far cry from the environment that Saddam's terrorists would have us live within. As coalition forces advance slowly but surely, it is clear that Saddam Hussein's days of running his own terrorist sate are numbered. As General Schwartzkoph said, there is indeed a very big difference between them and us, and I am sure our troops and our leaders will welcome your prayers, perseverance and patience in the difficult days ahead. 3/27/03

Senator Lott welcomes any questions or comments about this column. Write to: U.S. Senator Trent Lott, 487 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510 (Attn: Press Office)