President Bush's Iraq Speech

This quote from the President's speech I think sums it all up (full text):

The challenge playing out across the broader Middle East is more than a military conflict. It is the decisive ideological struggle of our time. On one side are those who believe in freedom and moderation. On the other side are extremists who kill the innocent, and have declared their intention to destroy our way of life. In the long run, the most realistic way to protect the American people is to provide a hopeful alternative to the hateful ideology of the enemy – by advancing liberty across a troubled region. It is in the interests of the United States to stand with the brave men and women who are risking their lives to claim their freedom – and help them as they work to raise up just and hopeful societies across the Middle East.............

Lets hope the pessimists don't win, because I don't think this is a battle we can afford to quit and walk away from because it's messy, hard and has not been wrapped up within a couple years......................