I was going to say a break in the iceberg, but yours is the better metaphor. I've been thinking all along the public is having to endure a waiting game while ducks are getting counted and deals struck. We do, after all, have to leave Iraq in a stable condition and this will require much change in the ME. If we pull this off, we might live to see a world at peace.
With 1.2 billion muslims? Not likely.
1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety! Then sudden destruction comes on them, as travail upon a woman with child. And they shall not escape.
Mat 10:34 Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth. I did not come to send peace, but a sword.
Luk 12:51 Do you suppose that I have come to give peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division.
Of course, I'm all for invading Iraq and trying to build even a semblance of a democracy (of the right kind), but let's not start whistling Pollyanna. On this side of eternity, peace will only be at best shortlived. That's why realists understand Reagan's "Peace Through Strength", securing peace by preparing for war. World Peace is an illusion and will only be truly realized at Christ's Second Coming "when the kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our Lord."