We can, but we won't if the US withdraws its troops. If the US withdraws prematurely, and Iraq becomes an Al Qaeda stronghold, then that will be Bush's legacy -- I'm afraid it will put Bush down in that circle of Presidential hell next to Woodrow Wilson, Herbert Hoover and James Buchanan as well intentioned presidential disasters. Winning Iraq would make him a great President, losing makes him the worst. And it's up to him to sell the public.
Sorry if that sounds defeatist, but the future of the world depends on what the United States does in Iraq in the next two years. As a resident of Israel, I am acutely aware of this. If cut-and-run is the new policy, as it appears to be, then God help us all.
I'm not convinced that Bush is committed to winning this thing. This latest move adds to my concern.
I would think the question of whether or not Iran gets nukes may have something to do with his placement in history.
If we leave Iraq too soon, we'll be back there the third time to complete "unfinished business".