Now that there is light at the end of the Iraq tunnel, we will see the true resolve of President Bush. In the coming weeks and months, and in the narrow time he has left before becoming a lame duck, we will see the true grit and gumption of our Commander in Chief.

A war within the war is brewing in this country. With Bush's approval rating at an all-time low (37 percent according to the latest Gallup poll) and Republican conformity crumbling, the pressure continues to mount on Bush to lay out a clear exit strategy. Those closest to the President say he is determined not to withdraw troops prematurely. But who knows if the elections of 2006 and an increasing democratic resurgence will force his hand.

I hope, for the sake of the future, that President Bush keeps to his word and does not withdraw troops before the Iraqi forces are trained, no matter what the political costs to his party.

Let's say, for the sake of argument, Bush withdraws troops before Iraqi forces can consistently carry out the will of its government. A coup led by another "Saddam" kind of leader would not be out of the question. I think we could all predict the aftermath of that.

It would mean another war, more troops dead, more unrest in the country, more political unrest. Barely half the country wanted to return to war with Iraq in 2003. I can't imagine anyone wanting to go to war with Iraq again in 2033.

Unfortunately the pressure is mounting to leave Iraq. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's comment that the Iraqi forces would be battle ready "fairly soon," seems to signal that Bush will be far more open to the idea of a quick withdrawal from Iraq.

If Rice's statement is true and the Iraqi troops are capable, then I say bring our boys home. But I worry about how true her assessment is. This seems like a move aimed at helping the Republican party retain control of the House and Senate in 2006 rather than a decision made in the best interest of the United States.

I realize public support for the war has reached all time lows, but that is no excuse to cut and run from a mission Bush deemed essential to the war on terror since its onset.

Bush has often said he will not run his presidency based on polls. Say what you want about the man — that is refreshing to hear.

It's unfortunate that now he seems to be backing away from that logic. It also scares me to think of the ramifications of Bush listening to the latest polls.

It's easy to say that politicians need to do what is best for the country and disregard the spoils of their party. Nobody in their right mind bites the hand that feeds them, and I personally believe that most of the time we should not ask politicians too do that.

However, on the point of a premature withdrawal I do believe Bush has a duty to ignore the polls, the political pressure and the elections of 2006 and do what is right for the nation at this moment in time.

Right now, that is to leave troops in Iraq until their forces are fully equipped and capable of defending the government that more than 2,100 soldiers have died trying to create.