Washington, JAN 24, SPA -- Liz Cheney, daughter of Vice President Dick Cheney and former principal deputy assistance secretary of state for Near Eastern Affairs, wrote a commentary today in the Washington Post explaining that retreat from Iraq is not an option, as America is facing an existential threat and if we quit in Iraq now, we must get ready for a harder, longer, more deadly struggle later. Cheney said the terrorists are hoping to establish a base of operations in Iraq from which to plan and launch attacks against U.S. interests and even within America itself. If the United States loses it s will and retreats under pressure, she said, we will help the terrorists. Cheney said that while the November elections proved that the American people are wary of the war in Iraq, they did not say that they want us to lose this war. She argued that retreat from Iraq would inhibit America s broader war against terrorism, and jeopardize our allies, and further embolden Iran, making it even less likely that the Iranian president will bend to the will of the international community and halt his nuclear weapons program. Cheney added that if we retreat from Iraq, or place American soldiers in shackles while there, the war on terrorism will be dealt a massive blow. Victory is the only option, Cheney said. We must have the fortitude and the courage to do what it takes. --SPA www.spa.gov.sa/420418