Today's papers react to the extraordinary scenes from Baghdad.

Times

"The conflict is not yet over. As Tony Blair told the Commons, there are still intense resistance among the diehards and difficult tasks ahead. It is unclear how or from whom surrender will come. Few Iraqis, however, now care about the formalities. They are free at last, and want the rest of the Arab world to understand this message. Baghdad recovered from devastation by the Mongols and sacking by Tamburlaine. Now, at last, it has a chance to recover from the devastation wrought on it by the tyrant from Tikrit."

FT

"The civilian casualties of the war, mostly inflicted by coalition forces since they were the ones with the firepower, are to be deplored. The war aims of the US and UK will also remain questioned, and questionable, until there is proof of weapons of mass destruction. Equally, however, the military skill shown by coalition forces in their three-week campaign has to be applauded. The US military did indeed fulfil its promise of a different kind of warfare...To win the peace, the US will have to show as much skill in exercising soft power as it has in using hard power to win the war. This is not an American speciality. Britain has considerable expertise, drawn from operations in Northern Ireland, and a far greater experience in UN peacekeeping than the US. But it is the junior partner in the coalition and lacks US resources. In these circumstances, both countries would benefit from involving the UN and other countries in Iraq's reconstruction more than they intend at present."

Telegraph

"What is so exciting about the victory in Iraq is that it proves that Western leaders who act with imagination and courage can achieve much. George W Bush is constantly attacked in Europe for being stupid and narrow, but it was he, confronted by the huge shock of September 11, who was the first Western leader to understand how the world has changed...Tony Blair, too, deserves much credit. Coming from a party largely devoted to the illusions of internationalism in foreign policy, he has had much more to learn than a Republican president, and he has been brave and bold in embracing the new thinking. He has also taken a huge political risk for a cause in which he believes. As a result, he has restored Britain's standing in the world to a position that it has not held since the Berlin Wall came down, and he has won the right, which should be denied to all other major European leaders except for José Maria Aznar of Spain, to help create the new world order that George Bush senior promised, but that George Bush junior is delivering. In doing so, his success should embolden him further to break with the advice that he receives from the Foreign Office. Why is he still being encouraged to 'mend fences' with France, lend his prestige to Bashar Assad in Syria, let Jack Straw seek deals with Iran, try to get the old Europe back on board with the new Europe and America that it has so deliberately offended?"

Guardian

"On one level the US-British success to date is deeply impressive and on another, troubling. Saddam's overthrow is a great boon. But Iraq's 'liberation' must not lead to internal destabilisation or external exploitation. Pre-war promises must be fulfilled; there must be long-term follow-through and a major rethink, too. For George Bush's America must understand that Iraq does not mean future pre-emptive, unilateral, illegal war-making is now somehow OK. Sometimes war proves unstoppable; but it is seldom OK."

Independent

"Even for those of us who believed that the reasons for waging war were inadequate and flawed, that the use of military force was premature and too fraught with risk, the toppling of Iraq's Ba'ath party regime in the very centre of its tyranny is a victory to savour. That it has been achieved relatively quickly, with relatively few Allied casualties, is testimony to the professionalism and discipline of the US and British forces. Nothing can, or should, detract from their achievement. And if the people of Iraq can use their new liberty to improve their lives and build a free and prosperous country, the cost - in lives, money and shattered diplomacy - may ultimately be vindicated."

Sun

"It is impossible to praise too highly the courage and skill of the American and British Forces, aided by Aussies and Poles. We grieve for those who died in the cause of freedom but we salute those who in just three weeks rewrote both the history and future of the Middle East. The fighting's not over yet but there can only be hours to go. This is a political triumph, too, for Tony Blair and George Bush. Virtually alone on the world stage, and blocked at all sides by the treachery of the French, Russians and Germans, they had the fortitude to do what they knew was right. What irony that one of the first Baghdad buildings looted was the HQ of the United Nations, the inept talking shop that wouldn't lift a finger to help the Iraqis. Bush and Blair emerge with huge credit - not as war-mongers, but as men who know liberty is worth fighting for."

Mirror

"The scenes in Baghdad yesterday will long be remembered. Particularly the joy of those who realised they had been freed from Saddam's tyrannical reign. But the triumph of the troops does not make the big questions go away. We still don't know where Saddam is. As long as he is not found, he remains a threat. We still have not seen a single weapon of mass destruction. As long as none is found, the reason given for starting this war will be bogus. We still don't know if America will allow the Iraqis real freedom. Until we do, the White House's motives will remain suspect. It is not carping to raise these issues. The exultation of victory and the jubilation of freedom could evaporate. Then the war, and the sacrifices made in it, would be worthless. The battle for Iraq has been tougher than it appeared to armchair spectators. But winning the peace will be even harder. Hopefully our troops can soon return home, another job brilliantly done. They have passed their test with flying colours. What comes next will be a real test for the politicians."

Mail

"Iraq lies in ruins because of the war and three decades of Saddam's corruption and incompetence. Millions of its citizens rely on UN food aid. Many others are homeless or in desperate need of medical treatment. And the prospects of recovery are hampered by Iraq's massive £60 billion in overseas debt. But our troops have already shown that their military prowess is matched by their decency and humanity. So long as they are in place, there is no doubt that the immediate problems will be resolved. For this moment at least, we should rejoice - as the whole world rejoices - in the liberation of Baghdad. We are witnessing the end of a monstrous evil. Whatever difficulties lie ahead, this is a moment of hope."

Express

"With the Allied forces welcomed as liberators, Tony Blair's utter determination to see this battle through has been thoroughly vindicated. However, a long and difficult road to peace still lies ahead. Allied forces will continue to track down Saddam if he is alive. His evil henchmen must also be brought to account. They must certainly not slip through the net to play any part in the running of a new democratic government. The outward signs of this hated regime have finally been toppled but the fight goes on to ensure no vestige of its vile hand pollutes the new Iraq."