but REAL progress in Iraq can come only AFTER the terrorists have been crushed. I use the term "terrorists" because that is what they are, nothing better. But so long as these guys can set off bombs in public places at will, that long will Iraq remain a basket case.

Don't misunderstand. I am NOT pro-terrorist. I am just pro-skepticism. I have been hearing all of this good news from you but the terrorism continues unabated and, in many areas of Iraq, people are afraid for their lives. This is not the way a stable democracy should be.

I know that we must be patient, but I refuse to believe that the situation is improving until the terror attacks are significantly diminished.