President Bush’s remarks late yesterday evening were his shortest, simplest, and most eloquent on the war, and given all the sound and fury of the debate leading up to the start of the conflict, they struck us as memorably modest. The president stated the war aims in a simple sentence: “American and coalition forces,” he said, “are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from grave danger.” The president did not boast of a short or easy campaign. On the contrary, he stated pointedly that a “campaign on the harsh terrain of a nation as large as California could be longer and more difficult than some predict.” He also stated that “helping Iraqis achieve a united, stable and free country will require our sustained commitment.”

“To all of the men and women of the United States armed forces now in the Middle East,” the president said, address ing the GIs directly, “the peace of a troubled world and the hopes of an oppressed people now depend on you.” It was a poignant sentence, and one can imagine those words being listened to live by some on the battlefield, or replayed in coming days. Inspiring words. “That trust is well placed,” the president added.

Importantly, the president made a point of saying that America will accept no out come but victory. It was an important point, and not only in light of America’s experience in Vietnam. It was important to state at the outset of this conflict. For given the run-up to the war — a Senate minority leader speaking of how he was saddened, another powerful Democrat taking to the floor of the Senate to say that he was weeping for his country — there are sure to be calls when the fight gets difficult for ceasefires and compromise.

“Our nation enters this conflict reluctantly, yet our purpose is sure,” Mr. Bush said last night, in a simple formulation after all the months of doubt and debate.” The people of the United States and our friends and allies will not live at the mercy of an outlaw regime that threatens the peace with weapons of mass murder.” He acknowledged the “more than 35 countries”who are giving what he called crucial support. “Every nation in this coalition has chosen to bear the duty and share the honor of serving in our common defense,” Mr. Bush said.

“I want Americans and all the world to know that coalition forces will make every effort to spare innocent civilians from harm…We come to Iraq with respect for its citizens, for their great civilization and for the religious faiths they practice. We have no ambition in Iraq, except to remove a threat and restore control of that country to its own people.” He spoke of the prayers of millions on behalf of our military.