Posted on 11/21/2007 3:33:18 PM PST by Ernest_at_the_Beach
The figures are hard to estimate precisely but the process could involve hundreds of thousands of people. The numbers are certainly large enough, as we report today, for a mass convoy to be planned next week as Iraqis who had opted for exile in Syria return to their homeland. It is one of the most striking signs that not only has violence in Baghdad and adjacent provinces decreased dramatically in recent months, but confidence in the economic and political future of Iraq has risen sharply. Nor is this movement the action of men and women who could easily reverse course and turn back again. Tighter visa restrictions imposed by Damascus mean that those who are returning to Iraq cannot assume that they could quickly retreat again to Syria if that suited them. This is, for many, a one-way decision. It represents a vote of confidence in Iraq.
The homecoming is not an isolated development. The security situation in Baghdad, while far from totally peaceful, has improved substantially in the past few months, with civilian fatalities falling by three quarters since the early summer. This has been reflected on the streets with markets, clubs and restaurants that had been closed for months, especially at night, now reopening. This good news has not attracted the attention that it should because critics of the conflict in 2003 and its aftermath have been extremely reluctant to acknowledge progress in the country. Yet even observers from publications long hostile to US policy in Iraq, such as The New York Times, are finally conceding that “the violence has diminished significantly since the United States reinforced troop levels in Iraq and adopted a new counter-insurgency strategy”.
The “surge” associated with General David Petraeus is indeed paying extraordinary dividends. The positive effects were seen in Anbar province, which had become a hotbed of Sunni resistance to the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, and are increasingly seen in the Iraqi capital. It has enabled Sunnis to disassociate themselves decisively from al-Qaeda in Iraq, in effect switching sides, while some of the extreme Shias linked to the rebel cleric Moqtada al-Sadr have felt obliged to observe a ceasefire. All these fundamental shifts have allowed Iraqis the chance to rebuild an economy that, particularly with oil at its current price, should be among the strongest in their region. This opportunity has been recognised by exiles such as those who have been located in Syria. Iraq can only benefit from the return of some of its most talented citizens.
None of this means that Iraq is set on a certain path to imminent prosperity. While the numbers of car bombings and military fatalities have fallen dramatically there is always a risk that atrocities will take place. In fact, it is certain that there will be further tragedies. There remains a compelling need for the political parties and factions in Iraq to settle on an acceptable compromise on the Constitution, the internal distribution of oil revenues and the fate of those who were once members of the Baathist establishment.
The crucial point, however, is that American and British policy towards Iraq should reflect the optimism of the moment. Troops should not be withdrawn prematurely when tangible success is being recorded. It would be catastrophic for those soldiers to retreat just at the time when Iraqis themselves are returning home in droves.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
They need to guard that convoy like nothing else. Al-Qaida is looking for its Tet Offensive.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
What? More good news? My gosh, what will the MSM say about this?
I wouldn't put it beyond them to offer what assistance they could. I am absolutely serious.
The convoy will be protected and the path they travel is through much of Anbar province, where Al Qaeda has been decimated. The terorists no longer have the infrastructure in place to mount the kind of attacks they were doing before. The locals are pointing out the foreigners (who are usually the fodder for the suicide bombs) so the terrorist have no place in Anbar to hide anymore. I was reading an article about OBL’s missive last month about how Al Qaeda had made mistakes in Iraq and needed to regroup and change their tactics to get the locals on their side. I think the non-arab press has really missed the significance of that message. To many Jihadists and Iraqis, it was almost a declaration of surrender, for it was the FIRST time OBL has admitted any mistakes. The loss of face he suffered in the eyes of his supporters was huge, and to the Iraqis, it was a sign that AL Qaeda was losing big time. That is why the people are returning, they know the Americans and their Iraqi allies have won.
I think what you say is right, milwguy, but I also believe there are enough crazies around to look for a target of opportunity like a large caravan from Syria which just rams their failure right down their throats.
So I worry...which is like me :)
Be Thankful for the End of the War. Happy Thanksgiving to our Troops.
Pray for W and Our Freedom Fighters
I thought that is what they have been doing in the House and Senate!
I think you are absolutely right — and I certainly hope and pray that our leaders are on vigilant alert for this. The Islamists don’t have to win their Tet Offensive — the Viet Cong certainly didn’t. All they have to do is launch it with a modicum of initial success, and the Demo politicians, along with their leftwing media lapdogs, will declare the victory for them. Just as they did in Vietnam.
Every day there is more and more good news about Iraq. Thanks be to God, and his blessings towards our brave men and women.
The Civil War is over???
Not till Harry says it is...LOL!
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