Fata and Hamas are fighting each other in Lebanon. Shiites and Sunnis are fighting each other and us in Iraq.

The mix of religion, politics, power and money in the Middle East fuels a toxic, flaming cauldron that has been burning for decades and shows no sign of extinguishing.

In the name of the war on terror, we invaded Iraq, and as a bold campaign promise, President Obama promised to get America out. Some say American policy has failed in that country and others say only pulling out before the Iraqi government can establish itself will be a failure.

American forces and agencies have done great things in Iraq, but it seems clear that the people of this country have no stomach for a prolonged stay there.

But perhaps the true picture isn’t quite as clear cut to President Obama as candidate Obama thought it was. Maybe he realizes without some sort of iron-fisted government in place, the fighting will likely continue, spread, and even topple the fledgling democracy.

Out of the chaos, another tyrranical leader will likely emerge to rule that country. What will happen then?

Meanwhile, Iran, next door to Iraq, continues in its efforts in nuclear research and development. It will likely have a nuclear bomb in a few years.

And then what? Or perhaps the better question is what now?

The say actually holding the office of president restrains the men who win it, that the weight of the office makes them rethink their oft-times brash campaign promises. Unfortunately, the two questions still stand: what now, and then what?