If Saddam Hussein had any doubts as to the United States and its allies’ intentions of going to war, they were smashed Wednesday evening over Baghdad.

Anticipation for the war has ended and all people can do at this point is wait, listen and hope for the best. There is no point in becoming Chicken Littles running around with messages of doom.

But in no way does this mean that rallies and protests aren’t warranted against those in the government who have sent the troops to the Middle East, if people feel Bush made the wrong move. These protests should not be directed, however, at the troops—who are following orders.

Also, war is a time when emotions run high so as to override reason. There’s no need for violence in the homefront by protestors or police. There is enough violence in the desert.

Although many friends and family are in the Middle East fighting for a war that has been surrounded by controversy as to the United States’ role there, now is not a time to panic and assume the worst.

Americans shouldn’t be as worried as a situation of this nature warrants. The air strike that pelted Baghdad with bombs reportedly caused no American casualties. Luckily, no ground troops were sent in. And, little or no resistance was felt from Iraq.

To be sure, anytime a country goes to war with such an unpredictable enemy, there is cause for uneasiness. However, the United States has taken the initiative needed to convince the unbelieving and unfaltering Iraqi leader that the rest of the world is serious: It’s everyone against Iraq.

Adding more credibility to the allied intentions, the air strikes, which were reported to be more effective during nighttime hours, continued into the day. So far, Hussein hasn’t blinked—but there’s no guarantee he won’t crack soon.

Hussein now knows the Jan. 15 deadline was real. He now faces the chilling truth that 28 countries are prepared to move him out of Kuwait, if not crush him.

Whether he will back down remains a mystery; speculation that Hussein would try to withstand the attacks a few days before caving in just to stand up to Bush might not have the chance to come true if he’s eliminated first.

Still, now is not a time for celebration. Hussein is still at-large and we should not exclude any possibilities, including acts of terrorism. And certainly the first strike does not mean Americans are invincible—immune to the bodybag.

The first strike was promising for troops against Hussein, but it cannot be expected to be the norm in war. Facts are that war brings death and this war should not be considered an exception.

But the United States has the upper hand at the moment, and although that is no reason to relax, it should at least keep people from looking toward doom. Giving up will not help the troops defeat Hussein either.

No, we haven’t won the war. And despite Wednesday’s loud pacifier, Americans shouldn’t allow themselves to become any less concerned by the actions in the Gulf. The troops need the support: This can’t be another Vietnam. We just can’t afford to lose another generation.