Many media reports about the current situation in Iraq have poor perspective, frankly. Three articles can help you get a better perspective. Paul Gigot's report from Iraq on the trip, "This Was A Good Thing To Do", is excellent. Nobody wants Saddam back describes the overall economic and social life in Iraq -- no bed of roses, but already vastly better. And Charles Krauthammer underscores the overall importance of what America is doing in the Middle East.

Watching the soldiers killed in attacks or in accidents (60% of the fatalities, from my source in Iraq) reminds me that we're in a spiritual battle. We see a few individuals or families get picked off by the Enemy. Be mindful that Christ won the great Victory, but Satan continues to wage war on us.