American sentiments concerning the war in Iraq fall into a rather polarized pattern. Everyone from politicians to talk show hosts to average citizens has an opinion about the war that tends to fall into one of two categories. Those on the left believe we are in a war that can’t be won and therefore we must cut and run. Those on the right identify this as a war yet to be won and demand that we stay the course.

This duality of propaganda-driven thought has unfortunately driven a wedge between all Americans, creating an emotional situation amongst all of us that is a powder keg waiting to explode. Everyone holds steadfastly to their opinion and aggressively defends it while looking at the other side as being completely in the wrong. This divide routinely makes for uncomfortable social situations and initiates some rather disturbing conflict between our citizens and our leaders on a daily basis.

Despite this controversy, it has to be acknowledged that difference of opinion is a good thing as it is a differentiation of ideals that drives good civics. Sound legislation and regulations as well as good governance and citizenship are derived only from contrasting opinions and a variety of concepts.

But, alas, sometimes things do go wrong in civics. Situations like this Iraq controversy can arise where debate and philosophy are driven or unduly influenced by only two sides, not by a wide variety of beliefs. This inspires a sense of tunnel vision that limits thought and can ignore the reality of an issue, causing both sides to be grossly incorrect.

Opinion has become so polarized here that most Americans fail to see that in the most basic definition of what represents warfare the Iraq war has already been won. The accomplishments of our armed forces have been lost in the shuffle – if not completely overlooked - in this politically-driven debate. Even those who are supposedly most pro-military are so dependent on the normative belief of the Right (that the war is still winnable) that even they cannot recognize that victory has been ours.

Our brave men achieved the ultimate goal of changing Iraq’s once-dictatorial landscape. They toppled a maniacal despot in the form of Saddam Hussein and aided the people of Iraq in constructing a democratically-based system of government. Bringing down a dictatorship and turning over the reigns of government to the people don’t represent victorious battles amidst a war, they represent victory in the very war itself. Wars are won by destroying the enemy’s leadership and causing that rebuilding nation to start fresh. That is exactly what our military has accomplished.

Following such logic, the Iraq war is a victory that should be recognized as a defining and successful moment in American military history if not the history of Middle Eastern affairs. Our men gave of life and limb and fought through blood and tears to achieve the goal of removing Hussein from power and granting personal liberty to those who were once oppressed. Their sacrifices have started Iraq on a path to change. The people of Iraq are so determined to live a life of democratic rule and its rewards that they continue to move forward with their efforts despite the constant blood spilled by terrorist activities. Such efforts in democracy - no doubt inspired by our valiant soldiers - will bring about a better tomorrow for millions in the Middle East.

But, because of the duality of American politics we don’t realize this. Most Americans – and it seems every one of our leaders - believe that we still have an outright war on our hands. This is not the case, for everything our military is doing now is not war per se, but rather a police action following-up the end of an identifiable military action.

To many this claim may seem nothing more than semantics and to them bloodshed is bloodshed. It is important that they and every one of us detract from such thoughts and those ingrained into us by the Left and Right. We really need to give credit where credit is due. So far, our men have not been appropriately recognized for their great efforts in achieving the primary goal of a military victory in Iraq. And they won’t be, either, until people ignore political polarity and the lack of respect that comes with it.