Don't Leave Yet

Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih asks Americans for help.

LONDON (Reuters) - Iraq is vital to the world's future and the West cannot cut and run despite growing anxiety over the relentless bloodshed there, Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih said on Monday.

Salih, in London for talks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and other ministers, voiced concern at the growing pressure on the British and U.S. governments to change direction in Iraq given the heavy death toll among coalition forces and Iraqis.

He stressed that Iraqi forces were gradually taking over responsibility for security but said Iraq needed the "enduring support" of the international community to combat what he called "a difficult onslaught by terrorists."

Asked about a pledge by Australia's opposition to pull the country's troops out of Iraq if it wins the next election, Salih said: "I do believe there is no option for the international community to cut and run."

"The fate of Iraq is vital to the future of the Middle East and the world order," he told reporters.

So we have a new democracy calling for help. Will the Democrats heed that call?

I have my doubts.