Assessing Iraq

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates shared his thoughts on Iraq Tuesday as U.S. forces formally end combat there and shift to an advisory role.

Political gridlock and sectarian violence are undeniable problems, conceded the secretary, whose remarks preceded by several hours President Barack Obama's talk to the nation Tuesday night.

The Iraqi government's stubborn failure to form a new government more than six months after elections is not encouraging. Neither are the violent attacks occurring as U.S. combat troops depart.

Speaking to an American Legion audience in Milwaukee, Mr. Gates said: "This is not a time for premature victory parades or self-congratulation, even as we reflect with pride on what our troops and their Iraqi partners have accomplished."

Yet Iraq has improved considerably since U.S. troops invaded seven years ago. It has democratic government. Violence has been reduced to its lowest ebb since 2003.

American troops number fewer than 50,000 — a far cry from the 165,000 deployed there during the heaviest fighting. For several months, American forces have not engaged in sustained combat in Iraq.

The secretary reflected on Afghanistan as well, comparing the troop surge in Iraq three years ago to the expansion in Afghanistan, noting the goals are similar and that skeptics have doubted both moves.

Speaking of Afghanistan, Mr. Gates noted that "success there is not inevitable. But with the right strategy and the willingness to see it through, it is possible, and it is certainly worth the fight."

Mr. Gates offered a realistic analysis previous to the president's address on Iraq.