A Long View

GEN. DAVID H. Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker testified yesterday that the surge of U.S. forces in Iraq has led to military and political progress and that ultimate success in the mission is possible. But the real bottom line of their presentation to two congressional committees was a deeply sobering one: "Substantial U.S. resolve and commitment," as Mr. Crocker put it, will be needed for some time to come, not only to meet U.S. goals but also to avert the devastating consequences of an early withdrawal. "Our current course is hard," said Mr. Crocker. "The alternatives are far worse."
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