A poster in downtown Baghdad

First, there was Saddam Hussein's capture. This was a tremendous turning point, Americans cheered. Then without delay we transfered power to an Iraqi governing council. Next, to knead our jingoist nature, we applauded the annihilation of Fallujah and dismantling of Mosal.

These were important turning points in the Iraqi war. We saw the tide of insurgents, terrorists, freedom fighters, criminals and dissidents turn and run from the might of American power. It was time to rejoice and thank God that we were doing his plan; preserving freedom and helping secure the region for a democratic future, as seen on many posters in downtown Baghdad.

However, reality is a sticky subject; these turning points, have brought us back full circle. Soldiers are lost, clear answers are omitted and confidence is waning. Moreover, like all good political fiction, we now find ourselves in a catastrophic Catch-22. The region is now in complete disarray and the rule of law is rhetorical refuse. Most of Iraqi's elected leaders spend their private and profession time outside of the region. And democracy is a poster in downtown Baghdad.

If we leave the region now a celebration in the Tora Bora Mountains will soon follow. If we stay more soldiers will be lost, our credibility as a leading nation will be infinitely injured and democracy will still be a poster in downtown Baghdad.