HONOLULU -- The fall of the Taliban government in Afghanistan has been greeted with quiet satisfaction. In fact, despite the sudden collapse of the Kabul regime, the tone in Washington has been sober. Washington has reminded us that the U.S.-led "war" against terrorism has three objectives -- the removal of the Taliban, which shielded Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaeda network; the capture or killing of bin Laden; and the breaking of the al-Qaeda network -- and only the first has been achieved.

U.S. caution is understandable. The fight against terrorism is going to be a long one, and the Taliban's defeat is only a first, albeit significant, step. The danger, however, is that the "war" will come to dominate decision-making. Sept. 11 changed the complexion of the world in important ways, but there is continuity in many equally -- if not more -- important ways. The "war" against terrorism cannot become the single most important factor in U.S. policymaking. There are other pressing concerns, and the United States ignores them at its peril.

The U.S. desire to maintain vigilance is understandable. The administration does not want to give the impression that it is time to return to business as usual; important objectives remain to be achieved. Bin Laden and al-Qaeda are still out there and continue to pose a real threat to civilized society. The admonitions against premature celebrations are designed to ensure that the U.S. public does not lose its stomach for the fight and give up, which would allow the terrorists to regroup.