The news in the last few weeks has been peppered with stories about the deployment of Prince Harry's unit to fight with coalition forces in Iraq late this spring. Most interesting about the story is that it was Harry himself who threatened to "quit the army if he was not allowed to witness front line action." The visual of a privileged and well-connected political son going out of his way to actually serve his nation's military in a time of conflict is a welcome sight in this era of the well-to-do having "other commitments."

When the leadership of countries — those who decide to make war — contribute equally to the national sacrifice, the world is better off. We feel the decision to go to war will be in much steadier hands when a leader has to bear the risks of their own blood on the front lines. Though it is low to say that President Bush would not have invaded Iraq if his daughters were serving in front-line forces, it is appropriate to question the distribution of sacrifice between those who are ordering the troops into battle and the ones actually dying, and making the ultimate sacrifice, for their country.

Prince Harry's decision to fight alongside his countrymen shows that he is certainly taking the responsibility of leadership and war making gravely seriously. His actions are noble; he has all too many opportunities, given his royal position and the particular dangers of his presence, and could easily avoid his deployment. Harry's service will likely go profound lengths for an English populace who have turned very much against our President and the war in Iraq. Harry is showing that he, and by his example no other wealthy or powerful person of military age, is above the defense of his or her country.

While we are all in agreement that entering this war was a terrible decision and that drastic measures are required to solve this conflict quickly and acceptably, it is great news that someone from the halls of international power will be getting such an intimate appreciation for what war in this century is like. On the road to avoiding these terrible mistakes in the future, a true understanding of the horror of war and the troubles of nation building must emerge among the elite the world over. It is too easy to send other peoples' children off to fight your battles.