The situation in Iraq, as well as the one in Syria, demonstrates that the United States cannot wish away the problems of the Middle East. The security problems of this critically important region, if left unattended, will grow worse, until they demand a response from the United States. Yet, with wise diplomacy and statecraft, the United States can broker political arrangements that stabilize not only Iraq, but also the region. We cannot, however, do so from the sidelines.

Zalmay Khalilzad was the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Iraq and the UN.