Today in Washington, General David Petraeus reports to Congress on the progress in Iraq for the first time since September of last year.  In the months since the previous update, violence in many of Iraq's most dangerous neighborhoods has subsided, the economy has grown, and previous insurgent groups have now started working towards a peaceful Iraq rather than destroying it.

These gains have enabled significant political progress by the Iraqi government in the opening months of 2008.  Kurds, Shiites, and Sunnis have come together to pass a de-Baathification law - considered a vital component of national reconciliation.  Parliament has passed an oil-revenue sharing agreement between the national and regional governments, and successfully ironed out a budget.

The most telling component of today's hearings may be the questioning of the General by any one of the candidates likely to be the next President of the United States - Senators McCain, Clinton, and Obama.  The statements and questioning by these Senators could provide further insight into how each would approach the issue of Iraq if elected.  Senator Obama has frequently stated that he would begin withdrawing combat troops from Iraq immediately if elected.  Senator Clinton said during last fall's testimony that claims of progress in Iraq required a "willing suspension of disbelief."  Senator McCain called for a change in strategy early on, which became known as the surge, and has committed to seeing Iraq through to the only responsible outcome.

No one believes all the difficult work in Iraq is behind us, or that an easy road lies ahead.  But it is important to build on the gains that have been achieved, to carefully consider the testimony of General Petraeus before passing judgment on his performance, and to continue to proceed towards an outcome in Iraq of victory and peace.