Here are a few key things to watch for in the short-to-medium term:

a.) Reduction in the US troop presence in Saudi Arabia.

b.) Colin Powell going to Damascus.

c.) Iranian interference and meddling in Iraq, similar to what has occurred in Afghanistan.

d.) A promise by Washington to finalize a real Palestinian-Israeli settlement. Perhaps a new 'Madrid Conference'.

e.) Low intensity conflict by anti-US groups inside of Iraq.

f.) Continued Franco-German-Russian intransigence.

g.) Kurd-Turkish-Arab relations further deteriorating.

The balance of power in the region has shifted drastically in favor of the US. The Bush Administration, regardless of partisan affiliation, deserves credit for (so far) delivering what it promised. The logic of the situation is that the US will now press its advantage. The aforementioned are some issues that bear watching.