Stephen Biddle is optimistic about the prospects for peace, but he seems concerned about the Democrats.

Sticking it out to stabilize Iraq and avert the potential consequences of failure is more defensible now than it has been for a long time -- but only if we are willing to do what it takes to maximize the odds that Iraq does not return to bloodshed and chaos.

What does it take? A meaningful outside presence can be needed for a generation.

Iraq: Can We Guard What We've Gained?