The Bush Administration is under enormous pressure to dramatically alter US strategy in the Middle East during its remaining two years. This pressure stems from the repeated failures to achieve US goals in Iraq; the role that Iraq played in the Democratic victory in recent Congressional elections; the overwhelming public criticism and opposition to the war; and the party politics related to the 2008 Presidential and Congressional elections. A drastic shift in policy will be difficult, as it would contradict Bush's concern for his place in history.