I'm aware of this factor. (I also wouldn't say I'm "elated," just glad we don't have to expend any more troop power and risk on this particular objective.) My view is: better now than nine months from now. And I don't believe it's going to make much difference in the violence in Iraq--if anything, I think it's likely to lead to at least a short-term surge in guerilla activity. And how long are the folks home going to betolerant if our boys keep dying even after the tyrannical nutjob has been caught?

It's not over till it's over, and I don't think it's anywhere near over politcally.