Some think we should have left long ago. But who thinks that Kostunica ever could have been elected without the stabilizing forces of the NATO forces that have been in Bosnia since the early '90's. Sometimes the impact of these peacekeeping forces is not as clear-cut as we would like. But the goal and the imperative remain the same and that is to create stabilization and the conditions that make it possible for democracy to take root. Democracy always has its own timetable and that is what makes it difficult to have as clear an exit strategy as might be ideal.
Today there is much talk about the costs of intervention.
Today, as we witness distant atrocities, we can choose not to act, but we can no longer choose not to know. I do not believe the United States should send troops into conflict where our national interests are not at stake. And the reality is that we have not. But when our interests and values are challenged, the American people expect their government to do what we reasonably can. If the U.S. wants to retain its position as the world leader, then it must lead in every respect.