World peace may still be a long time coming, even after the capture of Saddam Hussein.

“The capture of Saddam Hussein does not mean the end of violence in Iraq,” President Bush said in his address to the nation. “We still face terrorists who would rather go on killing the innocent than accept the rise of liberty in the heart of the Middle East. Such men are a direct threat to the American people, and they will be defeated.”

Local peace activists said they agree with Bush, Hussein’s capture is a step toward peace, but there is much work to be done.

“I’m actually glad he said that, because I didn’t want him to present a [false] picture,” said Time for Peace member Basil Mahayni. “I feel that there’s going to be continued violence toward soldiers.”

Mahayni, junior in political science, said he was stunned when his roommate gave him the news Sunday morning.

“I woke up to my roommate screaming about it. He was surprised,” he said. “I turned on the TV and [it was the] first thing I saw on TV. I couldn’t believe it at first.

“I think it’s pretty cool. I think it’s really neat they were able to use the intelligence and track him down this way. It’s such a relief. Hopefully it will help the horrible violence.”

Kathleen Spees, senior in mechanical engineering and member of Time for Peace, said she was also happy to hear of Hussein’s capture.

“Along with most Americans and most Iraqis, I am happy to see that Saddam Hussein was arrested,” Spees said.

The decisions made in the next few days could dictate what happens next in the Middle East, Mahayni said.

“I don’t know how things will play out,” he said. “It can go either way in terms of increasing the fanaticism or actually promoting the democracy; it all depends on what action the United States or coalition takes.”

Establishing a democracy is one of the first steps that should be taken once Hussein has been tried, Spees said.

“I would say that really pushing toward getting an Iraqi-controlled government installed, I think that that’s important that happens soon,” Spees said. “Besides that, I think working on diplomacy with all our allies around the world is important and that would include not giving no-bid contracts away.”

Mayhayni said he believes establishing a government is important, but it must be under the people’s control.

“I think there needs to be gradual hand-over to the Iraqi people,” he said. “The U.S. should pull out and they shouldn’t dictate what’s going on.”

Mahayni and Spees agreed they will be watching for what happens next, but for the moment, Hussein’s capture brings hope.

“These next few weeks are definitely going to be a turning point,” he said. “I hope everything does work out better the Iraqi people, help stabilize the region. You can only look forward.”