Still a long way to go

A car-bomb exploded in a residential area in Talafar district, Ninewa on Wednesday, killing 15 people and injuring 94 more.

It was the third bomb attack of the day in Ninewa.

An earlier attack targeted a U.S. patrol in Mosul, injuring 6 civilians.

Aswat al-Iraq- Voices of Iraq- (VOI). reported that violence has become a daily occurrence in the province, despite successes claimed by Iraqi military officials since the beginning of a security operation in May.

While coalition forces have enjoyed great success of late, today's attacks underscore the reality that the enemy remains determined and the coalition cannot rest in its success.

This should serve as a warning to those who wish for an early withdraw of U.S. forces.

The consequences could prove disastrous. Iraq would likely spiral into chaos. Iran would rush in to fill the vacuum, increasing the power and influence of a maniac seeking nuclear weapons determined to destroy both Israel and the U.S.Worse still, Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations would view our exit as a victory, emboldening them to continue their jihad.

Winning a war requires dedication, fortitude, sacrifice and determination, things many in this country seem to lack.

Costs certainly exist, both in money and blood.

But the cost of losing could prove far greater.