I constantly signal to the Iraqi leaders that our patience, or the patience of the American people, is running out.

In my job I do my best to look forward.

The feeling of being an Iraqi unites all ethnic groups within this country. Even the Kurds, who have traditionally pushed for their own state, see the benefits of the current situation. They enjoy an autonomous status in Kurdistan, while at the same time participating in decisions in Baghdad. But if neighboring states were to push for a partition of Iraq, it would be a horrible mistake.

I constantly signal to the Iraqi leaders that our patience, or the patience of the American people, is running out.

It is important that the Iraqi people have confidence in the election results and that the voting process, including the process for vote counting, is free and fair.

During the Cold War era, the issue was the containment of Soviet influence, and we tolerated many an authoritarian regime as long as they were useful to us in this respect.

We're dealing with such enormous problems today that we have no other choice but to work together. If Iraq fails, if a religious civil war breaks out and the neighboring states are drawn into this conflict, if the Kurds declare independence and al-Qaida takes over an entire province - that's when the consequences will be dramatic.