The Democratic takeover of both the Senate and the House of Representatives is a milestone for the future of the Middle East.  It will affect our policy in the war on Iraq, U.S. policy toward Israel, and our overall war with Islamic terrorism. 

On Iraq, Democrats seem determined to look for an exit strategy.  On Israel, it looks like support for the Middle’s East lone democracy will remain strong.  What’s less certain is how Democrats will pursue the war against Islamic terrorism.  

From this reporter’s view on one of the front lines of this worldwide war, this is the major question following Tuesday’s results.  Just how will a Democratic-controlled Congress fight the war against Jihadists not only determined to win in Iraq, but also destroy Israel, the U.S. and takeover the entire world?  Furthermore, do they recognize that we are in the throes of a world war with radical Islam?  Do they realize the religious passion and messianic fervor driving the mullahs and president of Iran to get a nuclear bomb?  And do they realize the existential peril that Israel faces when Iran gets a nuclear bomb? 

Jerusalem Post’s editorial today raised those same concerns about Iran:  

The Democrats must resist the temptation to dedicate their new-found power to the sole purpose of bringing down their nemesis, George Bush.  They will be more successful politically if they do what is best for their country and the world, and join together to confront the terrorist tyrants who threaten us all.

That means Iran. 

The editorial also pointed out: 

What the U.S. needs ... is a bipartisan strategy for victory.  Such a strategy must be centered on forcing Iran to abandon its nuclear path.  As it happens, a successful policy toward Iran is critical to winning in Iraq, since it is almost impossible to imagine democracy prevailing in Iraq so long as Iran is increasingly able to support terrorism there, eventually under the protection of a nuclear umbrella.

To me, this question of Iran and global jihad is the overarching question facing the Democratic leadership of Congress.  While they will pursue their domestic agenda and exit from Iraq, events around the world – often unpredictable and uncontrollable - might well force them to address this worldwide jihad.  While Americans and Democrats might feel leaving Iraq will end this war, it will not.  Radical Islam – like it or not – has engaged Western civilization and they’re not going away just because we do.  One columnist the other day asked the question was the election “correction or capitulation?”  We will see. 

After the Munich Accords, when the nations of France and Britain chose appeasing Hitler rather than confronting him, Winston Churchill said, “Britain and France had to choose between war and dishonor.  They chose dishonor.  They will have war.”

If events continue to unfold toward war, Democrats will have their own choice.  My prayer is that they choose well.