Seems to me that the primary problem we're dealing with here is credibility or at least its perception by the Iraqi people. What I'm seeing in our administration is an absolute lack of humility in this action.

When was the last time our president actually addressed the Arab world and expressed deep regrets for being forced into a position to order the killing of people there? When did he ever apologize for acting upon terribly flawed intelligence and show any real public anger for the incompetence involved? Whenever he speaks about problems in the Mideast it's as though the people there are an afterthought, that they're simply disinterested parties to the conversation.

Bush's only visit to Iraq after the war was to talk to American soldiers in a sterile environment, not Iraqis in the street. The Arab culture gives great respect to personal sacrifice and bravery. Our soldiers daily show courage but their political leaders seem to wrap themselves up in complete bulletproof safety. Gone are the days when an Abraham Lincoln got a bullet through his stove-pipe hat as he was conferring in the field with his generals. I'm sure some of you would like to believe that I'd rejoice if Bush were attacked but that's the furthest thing from the truth. If his security couldn't be guaranteed in Iraq, then bring Iraqi's to Washington (and not just the hand-picked guys that have had a historic relationship with us) and talk to them man to man.

I have no idea if Kerry would improve things in that aspect but I really think it's time for our leaders to think outside the box. I understand the need for resolve and brutality in times of armed conflict but obviously things aren't working using only those methods.