The steps that the Bush administration has taken in the Middle East have certainly inflamed matters. Now that the Iraqi's have a voice, some of them are using it (and not exactly in the way we'd like). Although we entered Afghanistan in an effort to expel the Taliban and not rebuild the nation, we are now being blamed for the anarchy that reigns there (although it's important to note that the anarchy that was there before the U.S. invasion was not our fault, and the international community seemed to have no problems with it then).

Our involvement in WWII was the right thing to do, not just for our country, but also for the world. But it wasn't easy - our coalition suffered hardships and many lives were lost. However, as time passed, it became clear just how important our actions were. Right now, we are suffering hardships, lives are being lost in Iraq, and global threat levels are being raised by al Qaeda and friends. Still, the right thing to for us to do is to remove despot regimes like the Taliban and Saddam Hussein, to root out al Qaeda, to establish and support democratic nations in the Middle East, and to inspire change in the leadership of the oppressed. If having a U.S. soldier on every block of every rogue nation helps protect us from even one terrorist attack, it's worth it. One thing is for sure, if we don't take a strong position against these elements, even more Americans will die in the name of Jihad.

James Golden is a political columnist for MBGZ.com