Lindsey Doi

SALEM, Ore. -- After a controversial healthcare vote in Washington, senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden took off for Baghdad, kicking off a two-day tour that would give them a better sense of the country's political climate.

Despite threats of violent extremism and continuing political infighting, the Iraqi government is showing steady signs of progress. That's according to the two senators, who spent Monday meeting with Iraqi leaders and visiting Oregon troops.

Senator Wyden says he's optimistic that the Iraqi government will be successful in holding parliamentary elections this January, further brightening the country's future. Senator Merkley says the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraqi cities this past summer was good for the images of both the U.S. and Iraq.

Now both senators are looking toward Iraq's January elections and even more political stability. Merkley and Wyden say they're confident that all American troops will be withdrawn from Iraq by the 2011 deadline. However, they say that doesn't mean U.S. involvement will end. Instead, it will likely shift focus to a more diplomatic approach.