All Americans can be proud of our troops and their families. They have sacrificed so much for us.

Our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have done an incredible job and succeeded in every mission they have been assigned. It’s the civilian leadership in Washington that has put us on the wrong track.

Sometime this year, an 18-year-old soldier will die in a war that started when he was 13.

Rather than pursuing those who murdered nearly 3,000 Americans on Sept. 11, 2001, the Bush administration has diverted critical resources to what amounts to a wasteful distraction in the real War on Terrorism. Imagine if Franklin Roosevelt attacked Bolivia after Pearl Harbor.

It’s time for Iraqis to take control of Iraq. Our troops have done all they can do. The military mission has been accomplished. Now the Iraqi government needs to craft the political solutions necessary for a lasting peace.

Olson on Iraq/Military Issues