[PigRigger]

"that the Iraqis didn't cut and run is a good sign they are changing"

Correct. Iraq's outcome will be determined by the Iraqi's themselves. If they feel their new found freedom's and liberties are worth fighting and dying for, they will succeed in defeating the terrorists among them.

I am optimistic they will fight, especially after seeing their countries sovereignty restored. Freedom is intoxicating, it is hard to give up after tasting it. The enemies of freedom know this all to well - they will attempt any means necessary to prevent its introduction.

June 30th is a huge date - it will initiate a process leading up to free elections. This period will be critical in defining whether Iraq is a success or a failure.

[gilliam]

agreed

[speekinout]

I am optimistic they will fight, especially after seeing their countries sovereignty restored. Freedom is intoxicating, it is hard to give up after tasting it. The enemies of freedom know this all to well - they will attempt any means necessary to prevent its introduction.

Exactly right. The thing that worries me, however, is that the next month or two are going to be pretty bloody, and I don't totally trust the American public to stay behind the effort.
If we get demonstrations the size of the ones during the Viet Nam era, we might wind up with a President willing to pull out before the Iraqis are ready.