Jo, I find that the best source on progress in Iraq is here:
http://www.brookings.edu/iraqindex
Most of it is from U.S. government sources. It's an amazing resource. You'll find that some of your indicators are out of date. Some things are heading in the right direction, but, for example, crude oil production is about where it was in September of 2003 (p. 26), oil revenue about where it was in September of '04 (p. 27), electricity at March '04 levels (28), number of judges flat since May (32). Lots more cars, but also hour-long gas lines (33). I'm confused by your reference to cell phones, as Iraq has no nationwide cell phone network any more (33). Number of newspapers down since March, water coverage 78 percent (34). Very interesting poll on 35 on the increasing near-majority who believe the country is heading int he wrong direction . Finally, note the poll numbers on 37 on how many believe the situation is getting worse, and, most frighteningly, on 39, the poll by our allies at the British defense ministry indicating that 82 percent want the coalition to leave and 45 percent who think attacks against the coalition are approrpriate.
Media portraits of discouraged Iraqi citizens and discouraged American citizens would seem appropriate, as much as we would all wish things were different.
**the increasing near-majority**
And this, ladies and gentlemen, shows that liberals truly do not understand democracy. It was a "near majority" that voted for John Kerry, wasn't it? But he still lost.
See my post #62.
Most of the data are from late 2003. Having come so far, (post Saddam), Iraq may have reached a significant plateau. Measuring progress from here may take patience, as we anticipate the exciting things free and empowered people will accomplish.
We must also take into account the two recent elections as well as the success and sacrifice of the Iraqi Police.
Unbelievable! You are basing your "argument" on polls and the media?
I suppose you believe the exit polls of November 2004, too.
ROTFLOL!!!