You have to give points to the White House's PR machine. "Coalition of the Willing" (COW) is a genius portrayal of the ad hoc coalition of countries that have committed troops to Iraq. It rings of strength, fortitude, and fearlessness in the face of difficult choices.

But, alas, the COW is looking a little hesitant of late. Several of the coalition's members have withdrawn, Ukraine being the latest. Most had so few troops in the coalition to begin with that their absence will not change much, except politically. That's because the COW was a political manifestation from the beginning. No big news flash there.

And, as we all know, politics are volatile, sometimes whimsical. Public opinion has a nasty way of turning 180 degrees overnight. And as the situation in Iraq continues to look gloomier, the political costs at home for some leaders have simply grown too high. This should be a note of caution to the Administration. While the U.S. can certainly offer some enticing carrots (financial aid, end of sanctions, etc.) to countries that will play along in the absence of genuine commitment, their hearts just aren't in it.

We are entering the most crucial phase of the operation in Iraq and perhaps the most dangerous. The insurgents are turning out to be as deadly as Saddam's demoralized, underfed army. Yet, many of our partners are heading for the exit at this moment of truth. Maybe it's because Iraq had no WMD's. Maybe its because Saddam wasn't connected to Al Qaeda. For whatever reason, that our partners are deserting us when we need them most reflects the true character of the "Coalition of the Willing."