Dexter Filkins's The Forever War is a premature report from Iraq.

An assessment of the military situation in Afghanistan.

Despite recent setbacks, the United States can still succeed in Afghanistan with President Barack Obama's policy, the military’s strategy, and especially General David Petraeus's leadership.

Rather than insist on the defeat of the Iraqi insurgency as a precondition for Iraqi democracy, President Bush sees democracy as a means to help defeat the threat of radical Islam.

The challenge of transforming Iraq"s military establishment is inextricably linked to the larger task of transforming the country"s governance.

Pessimism regarding Iraq's future is unwarranted. Iraq faces many challenges, but success is still within reach.