It's Gonna Be a Good Day and a Tough Week

Waking up early on a Monday is always a little hard, but I managed it this morning. I managed in spite of the fact that when my alarm clock went off and I wanted to hit the snooze button, I somehow thought that I needed to hit the shift key at the same time.

There is, of course, no shift key on my alarm clock.

Oddly, I learned about the September 11 attacks while searching for the snooze button on my alarm clock--the breaking news slowly sinking in and leaving me with a world view that was shifted dramatically from what it had been before.

This morning, while searching for the shift key on my alarm clock, I had a similar experience--only one that made me smile instead of making me wonder at the fate of my country. The transfer of power in Iraq has taken place two days early--and the first steps on the road to sovereignty and a representative government have taken place.

This would be a great day to congratulate all of Iraq and to confirm a commitment by America, and all willing nations, to stand by this new government and the people of Iraq in offering our help and support to build a stable, safe future for Iraq. For Iraqis, it has been decades of hardship and war, and, finally, their future is in their own hands--the success or failure of their government depends on them. But they won't work alone, as the nations of the coalition have shown a willingness to sacrifice and help what we all hope will be our newest ally in peace.

So, tonight, or when you have a chance, raise a glass to toast the future of Iraq. Then remember that there is still a tough road ahead.

Read about Iraq's return to sovereignty.