In his speech Sunday, President George W. Bush spoke about the gravity of the war in Iraq. Bush spoke of mistakes and the toll the war has taken. He also spoke of progress, and optimism among Iraqis, the high turnout in the recent election and the critical importance of U.S. resolve and victory.

Bush's elevated candor about Iraq brought praise from Democrats and Republicans. And as Bush acknowledges a complex reality in Iraq, it is time for the same from his critics.

Determining a true picture of Iraq is impossible, as there is no single truth to the continuing struggle in that country. The ongoing tragedy of suicide bombers killing both Iraqis and American soldiers continues. But also continuing are the underreported successes in rebuilding critical infrastructure and expanding regions of security.

A recent poll of Iraqis conducted by ABC News, Time magazine, the BBC, a Japanese television network and a leading German magazine found unexpected optimism among Iraqis about current living conditions and prospects for the future.

Most Americans are far more aware of the many suicide bombings than of a growing sense of optimism among Iraqis. The high turnout in the recent election was a positive sign, but it was a single day's story — whereas killings of Iraqi citizens and American soldiers is often in the news several times a week.

Not surprisingly, partisan politics makes it difficult for Americans to get a clear picture of the situation in Iraq. Those in the left-wing of the Democratic Party see only failure and urge an immediate withdrawal that will, from a political perspective, cement the war effort as a failure of both Bush and the GOP. Those on the right-wing of the Republican party are generally loath to admit mistakes, as Bush himself was until recently.

Bush's more realistic and balanced tone should pressure others to follow suit. Naturally, the most logical voices to listen to on Iraq are those of the people who have actually been there. But even then, there is disagreement.

U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., made headlines for weeks after he spoke out against the Bush war effort and urged a "redeployment" of troops out of Iraq. Murtha is a highly respected Vietnam veteran and has visited Iraq.

Contrasted with Murtha is Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., who remains a supporter of Bush's efforts in Iraq. Lieberman, who has visited Iraq four times, wrote a recent column in the Wall Street Journal, urging national unity and non-partisan support for the Iraq effort and its potential to reshape the dynamics of the entire Middle East. Lieberman's column supporting the Iraq war received far less publicity than Murtha's critical remarks.

Many, though not all, members of the armed forces returning from Iraq report that progress is being made — even if it is not featured on the television news or making front page headlines.

It is understandable that there are conflicting opinions on Iraq and different interpretations of the significance of progress being made and prospects for the future. But the debate should be based on those honest differences, not on apparent political advantages to be gained by taking one position or another — or by exploiting perceived political vulnerabilities of Bush and other supporters of the war effort.

Bush has acknowledged mistakes and unanticipated costs in lives and dollars. His critics should acknowledge progress and the potential impact — for the region, the U.S. and the entire world — of a democratic and functional Iraq.

— J.L.W.III