We're not finished yet

April has brought victory in the war against Iraq and now all that remains is political and social reconstruction, the search for weapons of mass destruction, the hunt for Saddam, the destruction of remaining pockets of resistance, military withdrawal from the region and the mending of fragile diplomatic tears between the United States and some of its European allies. Oh, let's not forget that we need to reassess Syria, Iran and North Korea to decide what kind of threat they pose and how we should handle each country respectively. With such daunting tasks of almost immeasurable consequence for decades to come, how is it that the Laci Peterson story appeared to grab the national spotlight last week?\nIt wouldn't be difficult for an average American to explain how the public's eye was so easily drawn away from international politics for a moment. Since September of 2001, but especially since November of 2002, we have devoted large quantities of emotion and thought to the latest crisis in Iraq. The controversy has been both intense and unrelenting, so it's understandable that we're simply exhausted. Lines were drawn and blood was boiling as debate raged throughout our nation and the world.\nWhen the bodies of Laci Peterson and her baby were found a couple of weeks ago and consequently Laci's husband was charged with murder, the country seemed to almost welcome a headline unrelated to the war in Iraq. I think it says a lot for the people of this nation that we care so much for individual lives. I'm touched that we've found time in our schedules to listen while the heartbreaking story unfolds. But on the other hand, is this just another example of American ADD? It's understandable that we would want a break from the controversy surrounding European diplomatic tensions, terrorism and the tough work ahead in regards to Iraqi reconstruction, but the United States' public must remain focused.\nIt's almost sad that we promise ourselves over and over again not to lose interest in whatever endeavor we've taken on, but still we manage to fall short. It isn't just the media's fault either; they're just good at providing us with the news we want. I'll admit that after the first week of fighting I thought I'd be sick if I had to see one more shot of the Baghdad skyline. However, this is no excuse for letting our attention fade in the same fashion with which it abandoned Afghanistan.\nHolding the public's attention during wartime now will be particularly difficult compared to the past. We can't just focus on one particular spot on the map anymore because we're fighting a multi-front war on terrorism that encompasses the globe. Furthermore, we cannot wait for one battle to end before another begins which is why we're fighting terrorism in the United States, Colombia, Iraq and Afghanistan while potential future battlefields include North Korea, Iran and Syria. I know that it's tough to keep track of everything at once and still maintain awareness with important internal issues, but we must try. If we turn our backs now we may have to do this all over again in another decade.\nThe Peterson story is sad and unfortunate, and I'm proud that as a country we take the time to sympathize with her family. I'm also aware that the progress in Iraq will not be forgotten just because the headlines changed for a short time. But as the progress and excitement in the Middle East slows after so many months, we cannot lose our focus. We must persist in our vigilance until America has realized its promise to the Iraqi people and itself: to see that the job is done thoroughly and entirely.