War on course? Ask those who pay the price.

If you want a good assessment as to whether we're following the right strategy in Iraq, it's not a bad idea to ask the people doing the bleeding and dying.

Reaction from soldiers who fought in Iraq tilts toward Bush following his speech last night at Fort Bragg, saying we need to finish the job, according to accounts published in the New York Times, the San Diego Tribune and others.

"He hit it right on the head," said Petty Officer Jesus Garcia, who recently returned from Iraq and may be sent back. "We've got to stay there. Our mission will be complete when we feel the Iraqis are ready."

Among Iraqis, opinions are mixed, but many say that while they don't like the war and aspects of the American presence, they don't want the U.S. to leave.