Now that America's war with Iraq has commenced, the time and need for its end grows nearer every hour. Even though President Bush said Wednesday night that his war "could be longer than and more difficult than some predict," a drawn-out conflict is undesirable and unacceptable.

It also is imperative that the United States and its coalition seek the most peaceful outcome to its endeavor.

Bush vowed on Wednesday, unlike his father's war, his effort would "not be a campaign of half measures" because he would "accept no outcome but victory" - meaning the end of Saddam Hussein's government presumably.

But the Bush administration would be wise to remember achieving victory will not be an end to its efforts.

If the United States is on a mission to "liberate" the people of Iraq, it has to do more than merely win a war against the Middle Eastern nation's government. The most important battle lies in the future reconstruction of the country.

As was learned from Sept. 11, 2001, the United States cannot risk leaving its allies behind once it loses interest of necessity that became a standard following the Cold War.

If the Bush administration truly anticipates the "liberation" of the Iraqi people, it will have to do more than kill their rulers. It will have to lead the efforts to feed, clothe and educate those people at the same time it helps rebuild the nation it destroyed.

War cannot be the absolute tool of liberation, it can only be a step in the process.

During the first two days of war, American troops did not launch the "shock-and-awe" attack on Baghdad that many military analysts expected. Instead, the coalition forces seemed to pick and choose many of their targets with as much precision and planning as possible.

It is pleasing to see the U.S.-led attack shows some restraint in its first stages. It is imperative the United States show some diplomacy in its unpopular war. Bush cannot afford to be blinded by his war efforts and would be wise to continue consulting the world's leaders, even those who stand against him.

When the campaign against Iraq is said and done, the United States will need the aid of the United Nations if it hopes to help the people of Iraq rise from the ashes of war.

The bottom line is that there is not the sense of conviction or need for the U.S.-led war against Iraq as there was when the allies rallied against Hitler during World War II and America cannot afford to find itself in the midst of another Vietnam.

The war in Iraq needs to reach its end sooner than later with minimal loss of life.

Americans at home and Iraqis should not have to lie awake each night worrying about the safety of themselves or their loved ones longer than they have to.

Get your war over quickly and cleanly, Mr. President.