Lets take a new look at the current situation in Iraq:
1) Iraqi security forces, which have grown by as many as 126,000 over the last year and have taken the lead in many security operations, such as in Sadr City and Basra in which the US military acted more as an adviser than a battlefield partner.
2) The number of US casualties last month fell to 19, a number not seen since February 2004. With Iraqi forces taking the lead there is less need for more combat troops in the area and drawbacks are expected to be announced by Patreus within the year.
3) The toll among Iraqi security forces has also fallen, from 980 in March to 506 in May.
4) Attacks are down 70% since President Bush ordered a U.S. troop increase, or "surge," early last year.
5) The UAE government recently recognized and visited the Iraqi government. This is a huge step as they are a Muslim nation and are applying pressure on other nations to do the same.
6) There is more political stability. The Sadr militias are standing down and the government is working together. The provincial elections to be held at years end will be the big test in my view, I predict that they go well.
The situation is getting better. Certainly there are some problems still be addressed, and the Iraqi government has asked for more help, which we should give them.
1) Iraqi security forces, which have grown by as many as 126,000 over the last year and have taken the lead in many security operations, such as in Sadr City and Basra in which the US military acted more as an adviser than a battlefield partner.
2) The number of US casualties last month fell to 19, a number not seen since February 2004. With Iraqi forces taking the lead there is less need for more combat troops in the area and drawbacks are expected to be announced by Patreus within the year.
3) The toll among Iraqi security forces has also fallen, from 980 in March to 506 in May.
4) Attacks are down 70% since President Bush ordered a U.S. troop increase, or "surge," early last year.
5) The UAE government recently recognized and visited the Iraqi government. This is a huge step as they are a Muslim nation and are applying pressure on other nations to do the same.
6) There is more political stability. The Sadr militias are standing down and the government is working together. The provincial elections to be held at years end will be the big test in my view, I predict that they go well.
The situation is getting better. Certainly there are some problems still be addressed, and the Iraqi government has asked for more help, which we should give them.