Quote of the Day, 2004 edition

"I see tangible progress. Iraqi security elements are being rebuilt from the ground up ... The institutions that oversee them are being reestablished from the top down. And Iraqi leaders are stepping forward, leading their country and their security forces courageously in the face of an enemy that has shown a willingness to do anything to disrupt the establishment of the new Iraq ... There are reasons for optimism ... Momentum has gathered in recent months. With strong Iraqi leaders out front and with continued coalition -- and now NATO -- support, this trend will continue. It will not be easy, but few worthwhile things are." -- Gen. David Petraeus, Sept. 26, 2004.