On Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, Jews must pray for forgiveness for many sins — among them the sin of “succumbing to dismay.” That is exactly what the Iraqi people, in the midst of their nation’s tribulation, have refused to do. Rather than succumb to dismay, they have yet again demonstrated their willingness and their commitment to take control of their own destinies and to stand against those who would steal their chance at freedom. Come to think of it, “succumbing to dismay” perfectly describes the attitude of those intellectuals who understood the importance of the war with Iraq two years ago but could not, over time, bear the uncertainties and difficulties that came in the wake of major combat operations. If, today, you’re back in the “it was worth it camp,” you might want to do what Jews do on Yom Kippur. Take your fist and tap it lightly against your chest and murmur, “Forgive us, pardon us, grant us atonement.”