[ZOA NOM]

I think the worst thing we could do is to pull out of Iraq. We're still in Germany, and nobody's complaining. Let's build some bases in Iraq and stay for the long haul. It would help to secure our troops, and provide a presence that would serve to reinforce our commitment to helping them grow democracy. Continue to push towards Iraqi control of their own security and see where the region goes. This process isn't going to happen on a timeline. It's a generational thing. The supporters of democracy in Iraq realize that they are risking their lives today so that their grandchildren will have a better chance to be free from the life they've known under Saddam.

It is a real opportunity to change the direction of the Middle East, and one that may never happen again. With Hamas now facing the responsibility of accountability for their actions, we could see some very real progress.

But that's just my opinion, and I'm an optimist.