Recently, I visited Iraq on a fact-finding trip with a colleague on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

While part of our trip involved classified briefings in which we examined how the intelligence community is supporting our troops, we also had the opportunity to meet with Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker to discuss the situation on the ground, including the status of any political reconciliation among Iraq's warring factions. The two gave a positive report and spoke of a great deal of progress.

These are two outstanding patriots -- a good general and a good diplomat -- but the idea that America is making progress toward a successful outcome in Iraq makes sense only if we continue to redefine what we mean by success. Political and military leaders have been redefining both our rationale for invading Iraq and how we measure success for more than five years.

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