If you read most of the stories written by journalists covering the aftermath of the Iraq war, the nation is still a violent place, with nearly 100 American soldiers killed since the war ended six months ago.

If you listen to the administration, though, progress toward better infrastructure and a sound democracy is being made in a nation once ruled by a tyrant.

Isn’t it possible the truth lies somewhere in the middle?

Six months after the war officially ended, American soldiers &045; and Iraqis &045; are dying every week in sneak attacks and suicide bombings.

For families waiting at home for word of their loved ones, those stories are still terrifying and raise rightful questions about what our exit strategy should be.

But it is only six months after the war ended.

Already a Governing Council is working on a new constitution and working toward free elections; children have gone back to school, albeit, in some cases, in terrible facilities; power and other basic services have been returned to a majority of the country. The Iraqi people have greater freedoms, but many are jobless and without basic necessities.

Yes, Iraq is making progress. No, it will not happen swiftly.

But amid the questions and criticisms lobbed back and forth in the political arena, one truth is clear: We can’t abandon that slow progress. What happens if we leave? What kind of leaders would fill the void? What brand of extremism would breed in the land we leave behind?

The Bush administration, frustrated by so much criticism, is trying a new public relations offensive, emphasizing the progress that has been made.

We have to fix Iraq; that much is clear. While the Bush administration cannot ignore the questions and criticisms, Americans must also learn patience.