This has been a terrible week in Iraq, with dozens of terrorist casualties. The withdrawal of American troops from the cities has, predictably, led to an increase in bomb attacks. There is much to be said, but I’ll make one point:
We are at war—a war of Islamism against civilization. Islamism—or militant Islam, or Islamofascism, or jihadist Islam, whatever term you prefer—being an inherently aggressive ideology, started this war. However, it is for us a war of necessity, not a war of choice. The war will not be won on exclusively military terms, but military force will continue to be required.
Iraq is one battlefield in the worldwide war. If the Islamists destabilize it and gain control, it will be a significant setback for us. On the other hand, if Iraq’s nascent democracy is defended and nurtured, it will be a significant victory.
The war can be won. But it can also be lost. Fortitude and endurance will be key. The Islamists take the long view; the tendency of Americans is not to do so. We must realize that this war will last a generation, perhaps longer. Courage and patience are called for, in Iraq and elsewhere.
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