The tale of an 8-year-old Iraqi girl who underwent successful open-heart surgery in Cincinnati this week should remind us that the conflict in that nation, like any conflict, has a personal, human dimension. It also should reassure us of a widespread compassion demonstrated by Americans and others around the world toward Iraq's people.

Fatma Saad Abdulaziz was brought to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center to receive treatment for a heart defect and infection. After 4 1/2 hours of surgery, she was reported in serious condition with a long recovery ahead. She made it here through the efforts of 2nd Lt. Todd Wilson of Charleston, W.Va., serving as a physician's assistant in Iraq. Fatma's father brought her to a U.S. base for help, and a charitable group helped bring her to the United States. She will stay with a host family in Anderson Township while recuperating.

Fatma's is a remarkable story. Even more remarkable, though, is that it is far from unique. It is being repeated almost daily. For example, the Miami Herald reported Wednesday that an 8-year-old Iraqi boy was recovering from surgery in Tampa for a heart defect discovered by U.S. military doctors while treating the boy for accidental burns from a pot of boiling water. On Thursday, seven Iraqi children were taken to Zagreb, Croatia, for operations paid for by the Croatian government.

Post-war revelations of the horrors wrought by Saddam Hussein - and, yes, of the suffering caused by the U.S.-led military invasion of Iraq - have been leavened by tales of generosity and caring. In Framingham, Mass., a "moms' club" is organizing a drive to send toys and medical supplies to a town in Iraq where one club member's husband is with a U.S. medical unit. Operation Iraqi Children, founded by actor Gary Sinise and Seabiscuit author Laura Hillenbrand, assists U.S. soldiers who are building schools in Iraq. It is only one of many volunteer groups that have stepped in.

Clearly, Fatma's journey to Cincinnati is only a little corner of the Iraq picture, part of a larger story that should not only make us even prouder of our soldiers serving there, but more determined to support efforts that reflect America's best values.