RECENTLY I HAD the opportunity to visit Iraq with five other members of Congress. The focus of this trip was to gauge the performance of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), assess the morale of American troops, observe the measures designed to protect our soldiers and develop a better understanding of the conditions necessary for our troops to begin returning home.

Helping the Iraqi Army and police to stand on their own has been a top priority. By mid-July, many regional Iraqi battalions will operate independently of American forces. The Iraqi police are also finding the public much more cooperative, as demonstrated by the increasing amount of credible intelligence they are receiving from Iraqi citizens about the identities and activities of terrorists. This intelligence is essential in the effort to thwart improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and suicide bomber attacks.

On my first trip to Iraq in 2003, I visited a Kirkuk police station and met one of the very first Iraqi police units. Today, there are 225,000 ISF, and that number will increase to 375,000 by the middle of 2007. A capable ISF will be one of the key elements to enabling American troops to return home. I am also encouraged by the words of Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Jennings of Newmarket, who described the determination of Iraqi police recruits in Ramadi who defied suicide bombers by volunteering to join the police even after an explosion had killed many recruits that same day. Our troops recognize the courage of the Iraqi people and it strengthens their commitment to the mission.

Improvements to armored vehicles and body armor for American troops have been made. Our troops realize that in a war, safety cannot be guaranteed, but the military and defense industry have reacted to a very determined and adaptive enemy by making necessary improvements to body armor and vehicles.

On each of my trips to Iraq, I have been impressed with the morale of the troops I have met. Better than anyone, they recognize there is still a long way to go, but they know we are making steady progress despite the difficulty and sacrifice involved. Capt. John Curry of Concord, embedded with an Iraqi police unit, described to me how he was able to watch the joy on Iraqis' faces as they proudly held up their purple fingers after voting.

Soldiers serving a second tour say that the living conditions are good and have gotten better. One common complaint, though, is that Americans at home get too little news about the progress being made. These troops are concerned that the terror campaign and the media's predominant focus on suicide bombs and IED attacks will do precisely what the terrorists want: undermine our nation's confidence and resolve.

We should not underestimate the challenges facing Iraq. The formation of a post-election government that can reduce sectarian divisions and diminish sympathy for the terrorist insurgency is crucial. High unemployment and infrastructure problems still plague the country. But on each of my three trips, I have met Iraqis who are confident about their country's future, and that same sentiment is echoed by the troops I have spoken with who interact with Iraqis on a daily basis.

Americans have the right to question the faulty intelligence regarding weapons of mass destruction, the military planning for post-war Iraq and the use of U.S. forces to overthrow a dictator. However, should questions about entering Iraq be the determining factor in the issue of leaving now? The variables today are completely different and the strategic landscape is permanently altered. The path that produces a preferred outcome — Iraqi stability — is a continued commitment to self-reliance and self-governance in Iraq. Withdrawal leaves Iraq with an embryonic government at the mercy of sectarian groups, criminal gangs and domestic and foreign fanaticism.

It is not possible to predict exactly when stability in Iraq will occur, but the progress is significant. After three elections, the Iraqi government is increasingly taking command of its troops. Saddam Hussein is on trial and Iraqis now can acknowledge what happened to their families under his brutal reign.

The change from a brutal dictatorship to a nation based on the rule of law and the will of the people is difficult, requires sacrifice and needs patience. As Capt. Curry reminded me, his job is to help establish conditions where Iraqi forces can take over from Americans and begin to provide security for their own country. We are making steady progress doing just that.

Rep. Jeb Bradley represents New Hampshire's 1st District in Congress.