Sen. Barack Obama called the war in Iraq a “dangerous distraction,” and said more emphasis must be placed on the war in Afghanistan.

Dangerous distraction for al Qaeda, yes. Not so much any longer for our side. Also, putting up a stable sovereign (if imperfect) democratic Iraq discomfits the Islamic Revolution and thwarts the Iranian desire for regional dominance. (Not even to mention all the oil we’ve stolen in the bargain!)

But let’s not discourage Obama from hitching his political star to the war in Afghanistan. Unlike Iraq, which has devolved to a policing action (but still requiring close oversight) AFghanistan will continue be an exceedingly hard slog for the foreseeable future. And should Obam win the Presidency no-one should allow him to forget his commitment.