I want to believe

I want to believe that we can build up Iraq with the troop levels that we have there. I want to hear the rationale of the military that what we have in Iraq is able to stabilize it in order to bring about democracy, but all I hear are statements without rationale. And when I read about the numerous attempts to derail the election at the end of January, it only makes me edge more and more to the conclusion that what we have there just isn't enough.

But, the question is: Is a two years enough time to pacify anything? Is it reasonable to think that? My gut instinct tells me that it would not be reasonable to have ever thought that Iraq could be pacified within two years, or even 5. I've always thought that the culture in Iraq made such hopes a pipe dream. We've got to be ready for the long haul, and in the end, I'm of the mindset that we must succeed.