I agree and alluded to something similar at my place. I think it terrible to ever be happy that someone was killed. With that said, the pragmatist inside me does rejoice at the greater possibility of peace and the greater possibility of there being less murder in Iraq.

It is hard dealing with the death of one's enemy. One that would saw your head off if given the chance. The Christian ideals of grace and forgiveness and extending what God has given you to your enemies is tough. It is the hardest of God's commands.

I have come across an idea a couple of times lately that is millenia old - from Jesus - that the church should not be in the business of preserving itself, but carrying forth the kingdom of God.

I read this first from William Temple, one of my favorite author's who's positions are timeless, but written in context of WWII Britain.

I would bet that if the church focussed its attention more toward the missio dei than its preservation, we would have a lot less Christians celebrating somebody's death (save that of Christ, who we celebrate in resurrection). I suspect that if indeed the Church and members of the Church began to embrace their enemy, look for reconciliation over justice, God's commandments would likely be less difficult.