For the first time since the 2003 invasion, U.S. troop levels in Iraq have dropped below 50,000. President Obama has made it his goal to have all U.S. combat troops withdrawn by the end of 2011. This goal seems to be attainable at the current rate of U.S. withdrawal. However, an important fact to remember is that troops are still fighting and dying in Iraq as a soldier was killed by a rocket two days ago.

While American soldiers are decreasing their operations, there is still a struggle going on inside of Iraq. The country has been left in a standstill for the last 7 months as elections failed to produce a clear winner. The removal of U.S. troops from Iraq will end U.S. involvement in local politics, but will undoubtedly increase the likelihood of sectarian violence. While most Americans consider the capture and defeat of Saddam Hussein a success, many of those same Americans consider the counterinsurgency a failure. History will determine which of these factors will be the legacy of the Iraqi war.

The focus of many military thinkers has clearly and perhaps correctly, shifted to Afghanistan. Many of the troops leaving Iraq are unfortunately not going home. In Seattle, troops that come home to Fort Lewis from combat missions are replaced by more who are deploying. Troop levels in Afghanistan are quietly reaching all time highs. U.S. troop levels have more than doubled and are estimated to be approximately 100,000 by the end of the year. Total allied forces inside of Afghanistan are estimated to be at approximately 125,000 by the end of the year.

As many pundits are predicting, perhaps the legacy of Iraq will only be decided after troops have left Afghanistan. Defeating the Taliban and Al Qaeda may be the key that determines how history will judge these wars. The results that we leave behind in Afghanistan will be crucial for the security of the region and the world. An Afghanistan left in the hands of the Taliban would leave Pakistan in a precarious position. That would only strengthen the Taliban and Al Qaeda as they try to take over Pakistan and their nuclear weapons.

American withdrawal from Iraq is tied to increases in Afghanistan. Right or wrong our success in ultimately defeating Taliban and Al Qaeda forces will more than likely be tied together with Iraq. Hopefully U.S. political leaders realize that the proof is not only “in the pudding”, but also on the battlefield.