I am not surprised by the increase in violence. The terrorists increased their attacks because of the elections, and they are continuing to hit hard so that we will become discouraged and withdraw.
The now free country of Iraq is critical to our success in the war on terror. The terrorists know that, and so does President Bush.
We are not merely 'nation-building.' And it is simplistic to say that we are. We are building a critical ally in the Middle East as well as fighting the terrorists in Iraq to protect us from attack on our own soil. Both facets of the battle are critical to the safety of the American people.
We must have victory there, and if the American people give up on the effort because they are 'worried' (as you are), then the effort becomes more difficult.
I am praying as never before for wisdom for our leaders, political and military as well, that we might have victory soon. But I am not pessimistic because I make it a point to find out what's really going on there, without the hostile MSM filter that's obviously the main source of information of many freepers.
Prayers are important. And so is telling ourselves the truth. Iraq is a big mess right now. Change is required. The election has mandanted that. That's why Rumsfeld resigned. That's why President Bush's poll numbers are so low and have been so low.
It's time to take a sober look at the Middle East and what can really be accomlished there. In Jordan they have a strong man - a king - but he is not a butcher - perhaps a benign dictator in Iraq will work? - perhaps a loose federation of three autonomous regions - so that the Sunnis, the Shia and the Kurds are not expected to suddenly become saints and get along with each other - but each will live separately in a country that is called Iraq? Perhaps there are other answers.
But the bottom line is that change is now required. And we need to re-assess what is possible. My goal is that we leave Iraq as a better place than it was and a place that is not a breeding ground for terrorists. And importantly, that we leave Iraq a place where the Iraqis can find meaningful work, and raise their families safely and have rewarding friendships.... in other words a place where the Iraqis can do the kinds of things that people everywhere want to do.