I think the Iraqi elections went better than any could have imagined , and now , you know , I have said I do n't think we ought to pressure the president to get a timetable for withdrawal of American forces , we 've got to try to make this work , '' Mr. Clinton said , adding that '' sooner or later '' the Syrians would have to end their occupation of Lebanon , that reporters only write about the problems in the Middle East and that he is '' thrilled '' about recent events in the region .