Submitted by John Doe, Sep 1, 2008 20:41

Mr. McCain told veterans on Aug. 11 that he would end the war, but intended to "win it first" and assured them that "victory in Iraq is finally in sight." He needs to explain what he means by victory. A free and democratic Iraq, as Mr. Bush originally promised? That would take generations. Even after spending nearly $700 billion, the United States will be lucky to leave behind a marginally functioning central government in a very fragile country. Iraq's leaders have at least agreed on one thing: they want the Americans gone, sooner rather than later. But they are still squabbling over the political reforms that might bolster stability — squabbling that Mr. Bush enabled by insisting that America's patience was unlimited. Mr. McCain seems eager to repeat that mistake.

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