“The only obvious and striking similarity is that the enemy is counting on American public opinion to force a retreat. In fact, Zawahiri noted in his letter that ‘we are in a battle, and that more than half of this battle is taking place in the battlefield of the media.’ Al Qaeda understands that they cannot win on the battlefield against the spirit of determination of America and our Iraqi allies. Prematurely leaving Iraq would have catastrophic consequences – far greater than those we saw in Vietnam – as retreat would, in effect, hand the Iraqi people over to terrorists who have stated their intention and proven their capability to launch horrifying attacks.”

From a Floor Speech today by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) chairman of the Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee.