Today marks the third anniversary of our invasion of Iraq. Three years ago I was convinced that an invasion was a mistake, and I believe that position is still the correct one. We have wasted an enormous amount of money and lives because of this, and have damaged our standing in the international community.

That having been said, I think we have to stick around a bit longer. At least until the new Parliment stabalizes. Pulling out prematurely could be a worse move than the invasion itself. I understand that the American public only has enough patience to sit through a three hour movie war, not an actual military occupation, but if we do pull out and Iraq falls into the hands of extremists, it would be horrendous for our international standing. Iraq would be become the manifestation of our worst fears for the area, especially with Iran on the verge of going nuclear.

One last thing: I wish they would quit calling it "The War on Iraq". The war on Iraq ended less than three months after we made the decision to invade. What we know have, and have had for the better part of three years, is an "occupation". Bush uses "War" as an excuse to ignore civil liberties and act without Congressional authority. "War" suggests that the thugs responsible for blowing people up in Iraq are an "Army", which gives them far more credit than they deserve. The term "War" may keep more people tuned into CNN and FOX than "occupation", but it's really not accurate, and it doesn't help the situation.