The New Enemy

Remember that our job in Iraq isn't over. We've done a lot just to destroy Saddam's regime, defeat Iran's attempt to subver the government, and defeat al Qaeda's attempt to set up shop in the country. But if Iraq is to emerge as a secure democracy and serve as an example to the people of the region suffering under autocratic misrule, we have much to do still:

Iraqis know they are in a position to show the way, to an era of better government, and the freedoms and prosperity that flows from that. Iraqis know they have problems with religion, tribalism and corruption. Iraqis know what they are up against. Do you?

Strategypage has been consistent in making this warming. They're right. Read it all.

Relative to the price we've paid to get this far, the price we need to pay to entrench rule of law should be one we'd gladly pay. But who knows if we will?