[Ragtime Cowgirl]

"The task before you is far from simple...You're going to work long, hard hours in the harshest parts of Iraq. It won't be easy, but then few things worthwhile ever are. … Today is a banner day, for Iraq has taken another step on the road to building a safe and free Iraq." - Lt. Gen. David H. Petraeus

~*~

Ping for Lt. Gen. Petraeus and the new willing Iraqi leaders.

[ambrose]

let's hope the Iraqis weren't trained by the US Border Patrol...

[coconutt2000]

I think if we succeed in Iraq and help them build a truly free and open society, it might be a nice place to live if the Democrats ever win the White House back. ;-)

[NJ_gent]

"Iraq's Border Enforcement Department Graduates First Cadet Class"

We're training someone else about border enforcement?! The irony here is getting so thick I don't think Davy Crockett could find his way through it.

[starfish923]

Fox News had a bit about the security forces in Iraq.
They said that THOUSANDS of Iraqi men are applying for those jobs in the military and in the police. Even with all the men killed already with car bombs and attacks on police stations and recruiting offices, the Iraqi men voluteer for those jobs continually.
They can't offer enough classes.

Reasons?
1. They are getting about $200/month for the job. That's good pay in Iraq. I assume there might be some status there too, but that's MY opinion.
2. They are getting LOTS of training. They LIKE getting the training.
3. The training is done in air conditioned buildings. Nothing to scoff at.
4. They get to wear spiffy uniforms. That would be in Baghdad.
5. It IS part patriotism.

We won't hear THAT from Kerry's Kampaign. We only hear bad news from THAT side.