The war in Iraq is the main front in the worldwide war against Islamic terrorism. A loss or pullout from Iraq would mean Iran takes over Iraq; terrorists take over the Middle East and control oil supplies; and Europe, Africa, England and the United States will become primary targets.

Gen. David Petraeus is executing “the surge plan� in Iraq. He believes increased U.S. troops will improve security in Iraq. Once security is improved, political and economic problems can begin to be solved. There has been progress with security in some of the most dangerous areas around Baghdad.

Unfortunately, Congress has reared its cowardly, political head. After only two weeks of getting all the extra troops in Iraq, Congress wants to cut and run or declare the war in Iraq a lost cause. Indeed, Congress doesn’t want to wait until September to hear what Petraeus has to report. If not mistaken, Congress has the power to declare war, but our great military is in charge of fighting it.

Is Congress looking out for America, our troops, and our freedom? Or are they playing into the hands of the terrorists?

Osama bin Laden believed America could be defeated because it would lose its fighting spirit over time. Congress must remember that strength will not help America if it appears weak. History has shown that any signs of weakness will embolden terrorists.

I, for one, am extremely disappointed in our cowardly Congress. Perhaps, it is time to demand term limits. Maybe then, Congress will put the interests and safety of America first.

— Diana Thorn, Carpinteria