Success and Failure in Iraq

Townhall.com ^ | July 3, 2009 | Michael Gerson

[Kaslin]

WASHINGTON -- It may seem strange to Americans, so close to our independence celebration, that Iraqis should break out the fireworks when our troops withdraw. We are not accustomed to being cast in the British role. In Iraq, nearly every achievement seems colored by ambiguity. But we are seeing achievement nonetheless.

[RobbyS]

Amen. And if things do go wrong, our fearless leader will says,”See, I said I was right! Except the monkey is now on his back.

[gov_bean_ counter]

A dynamic that I have not heard discussed is the possible willingness of the locals to give up more insurgents since they will now be perceived as working with the Iraqi security forces and no longer with the US Army. Over here symbolism and appearances are important especially as it relates to associating with Americans.