The execution of Saddam Hussein is just another low in the debacle that has become the U.S. involvement in Iraq.

For many, Saddam's passing may be seen as justice served, given all the atrocities that resulted from his dictatorship.

But given the ongoing unrest and uncertainty in Iraq, this is hardly a time to celebrate.

In an Iraq that is more dangerous and divided than ever, Saddam's execution threatens to further destabilize the country by fueling even more sectarian violence.

Shiite clerics are already reportedly hailing the death of Saddam, a Sunni Muslim, "God's gift to Iraqis." The Kurds, too, are likely to see Saddam's execution as justice for his gassing of the Kurds at Halabjah. But there is a danger that the Sunnis will see their former leader as a martyr, one whose influence may be even greater in death than in life.

While Saddam was one of the most brutal dictators in history, we must hope that a moderate sensibility prevails in Iraq, and that this moment will not become an opportunity to divide the country even more.

This is the time to let the wounds of the past heal so that Iraq can begin to rebuild.

President Bush has said that he will respond to the Iraq Study Group's recommendations after the New Year. A new war strategy may finally give Iraqis and Americans hope for peace and closure — things that are difficult to find in the execution of one man.