LET'S CELEBRATE HOSTAGES BUT NOT SOFTEN HARDEN HARD LINE

A terrifying chapter in American history was closed Tuesday when Terry Anderson, the last American hostage, returned to U.S. soil. The release of the remaining U.S. hostages provides an additional cause for celebration this holiday season.

But our elation should not soften the U.S. hard line toward Iran, which remains a terrorist state. We must not forget two German workers remain imprisoned. Four Israeli soldiers are still missing in Lebanon. The U.S. is also seeking the return of the bodies of two slain American hostages, Col. Richard Higgins and William Buckley.

The United States owes much to the United Nations, particularly the efforts of U.N. Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar, who began intense hostage release mediations in August.

The U.N. orchestrated a complex swap of Western hostages held in Lebanon, Arab prisoners under Israeli control, and Israeli soldiers missing in Lebanon.

For many years, it seemed there was no shaking the hostage impasse, and U.S. frustration grew. But once the gates opened, developments came quickly. Nine Western hostages were released in the last four months.

The political world to which Terry Anderson returns is far removed from March of 1985, when he was kidnapped. The Cold War ended, and America flexed its muscle in the Gulf War. Iran found a world of diplo~matic and economic isolation thanks in part to continued American pressure on its European allies.

All along, the drama has been closely tied to Middle East politics. Appeals to free the hostages on humanitarian grounds were ignored year after year. In all, 14 Americans were kept in chains and three were killed. After 2,455 days, the last of the living American hostages has finally come home.

Hopefully, the largest lesson learned is the fact the taking of hostages didn't achieve any great goals. It did not become a stick to hold over the world's head. We can only hope this may discourage other groups from following similar strategies.

One of the former hostages, Alann Steen, feels the kidnappers should be tracked down and brought to justice. His feelings are understandable. But the U.S. should think long and hard before opening such a can of worms. It could lead to more American deaths or kidnappings in the tumultuous Middle East. It might be best just to close this ugly chapter, and move ahead.

Although free, these former hostages face a tough road ahead as they try to reclaim their lost years, and piece their lives back together. "Good will begets good will," said George Bush in his inaugural address. The release of the last American hostage certainly generates much good will this holiday season. America has much to celebrate even as we keep a watchful eye on the Middle East.