Petraeus, who previously commanded the 101st Airborne Division in Iraq from March 2003 until February 2004, offers his take on what the coming months hold:

There will be more tough times, frustration and disappointment along the way. It is likely that insurgent attacks will escalate as Iraq's elections approach. Iraq's security forces are, however, developing steadily and they are in the fight. 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.

In the weeks and days leading up to the November presidential election, expect increasing talk from the Bush camp about how the Iraqi security forces are assuming a greater role in stabilizing that country's security situation.