Here's what success in Iraq looks like: democratic elections, sectarian comity, independence in foreign policy, al Qaeda stymied, cooperating with the United States, and self sufficiency. Iraq didn't look completely like that in early 2011, but it was headed in the right direction.

Iran's new Bolivarian buddies--Hugo Chavez, Evo Morales, and Rafael Correa --are not the most cautious cats in the Western Hemisphere. But they look like Bismarkian "satisfied powers" by comparison to the drug cartels that are an increasing part of Iran's anti-American network.

This vision of relations will seem palatable to Americans and Iraqis who want to believe that all will be well after the withdrawal of U.S. troops. But the image is a mirage.

Prime Minister Maliki"s actions in Basra indicate that the Iraqi central government is gaining strength.

The approval by the Iraqi parliament of a strategic framework agreement represents a tremendous success for the United States and for a free Iraq.

With al Qaeda weakened, Iran's regime continues to pose a problem for American forces in Iraq.

The Islamic Republic continues to hemorrhage her best and brightest who, unwilling to partake in the charade of Iranian elections, vote instead with their feet.

Iran's actions may indicate what the Western world's counter-priorities have to be: destroying Hezbollah, securing Iraq, and halting the Iranian bomb program.