Today is a new day.
My thoughts exactly. This is the turning point where the Iraqis truly realize the Sadaam era is over. This will so inspire the Iraqis at both the civilian and troops level. If I were an insurgent I would really watch my back because I really feel the "Ethiopian Effect" is about to take effect. And just like the Ethiopians PC is not exactly part of their lexicon.
"I also believe that with him dead, Iraq will be calmer. Of course, Iran will not stop sending terrorists to Iraq, but those that were banking on Saddam returning to power (nobody said they were smart), will now have to face reality. Some will continue their violence, but others will not. Also, the citizens of Iraq will now be able to imagine a future without SH. That is BIG.
Today is a new day."
I agree with what you said here. I do think that the violence will increase in the short term, but I also think you pointed to something that will make that hard to keep up. The Iraqi people now seeing a future without Saddam. They are likely to feel the freedom now. I think they will be giving lots more tips, and they have been giving quite a few anyway. The tips will lead to more deaths and arrests of the terrorists. That will make terrorism harder to do.