Should we feel safe?

Monday General Petraeus addressed Congress about the diplomatic status in Iraq. Petraeus seemed hesitant when answering a question from Senator John Warner. He asked if Petraeus felt that the war in Iraq is making American's safer. Petraeus replied with a seemingly evasive answer about how the strategy is the best course for achieving U.S objectives in Iraq. Unsatisfied, Warner repeated his question, and Petraeus said, " Sir, I don't know actually. I have not sat down and sorted it out in my mind."
Not only is his answer not reassuring for any American concerned for their safety, but also it makes it seem that the people dying in Iraq to defend our country are dying in vain.