Ready, willing and able. As the United States continues to risk the lives of its military people and pour billions of dollars into an effort to “win” the Iraq war and stabilize the country, is Washington convinced the Iraqis are as ready, willing and able as we would prefer – and have a right to demand?

Congress has authorized new funding for Gen. David Petraeus, the new U.S. commander in Iraq. We keep hearing that there needs to be, by this September, clear evidence that American forces are getting things to where they need to be for Iraqis to take over.

That is the goal: to help Iraq and its people help themselves to the kinds of lives they desire. Yet almost daily we hear new reports of how those in the government are incompetent, too weak or too fearful for their safety to do what they must do. There remains, we are told, far too much dependence on American lives and wherewithal and not nearly enough Iraqi readiness, willingness and ability to take over.

As one observer noted: “Ryan Crocker, the new U.S. ambassador to Iraq, must push as hard as he can to get the country’s leaders to make risky compromises and assume heavy responsibilities.”

The terms courage, character and dedication come to mind regarding our involvement in Iraq, Afghanistan and the general war on terror; too often they are being displayed by Americans rather than a sufficient number of Iraqis.

We are told there must be still another period of progress and improvement before we can stop spending lives and money for Iraq’s sake. But that time should be shortening by the day unless there is sudden and decisive evidence the Iraqis can and will do the job they must.

If such evidence does not emerge soon, then the United States must do what is in the best interest of the country. Few want to “abandon” Iraq, but, at the same time, how long should Americans be prepared or committed to trying to stop the spread of terrorism on foreign soil to minimize the danger here at home?