improvements in iraq

• Measurable Improvements in Iraq

In fits and starts, political progress in Iraq is not only possible, but in small steps it is happening. That's the simplest lesson of the Iraqi Parliament's three notable moves on Wednesday. The parliament set Oct. 1 provincial elections, passed a $48 billion budget and also passed a limited amnesty for thousands of prisoners, including former insurgents - potentially significant steps toward reconciliation. Even New York Times editorial headlines are acknowledging the unexpected: "Making (Some) Progress in Iraq." This does not at all fit the unrelenting "Iraq is a failure" narrative favored by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Out of Iraq caucus. Some" progress is indeed the correct way to describe the three actions. Bound together in a single bill to assuage Kurds suspecting a doub...

• The Washington Times
• February 18, 2008

• Lessons Learned in Iraq

Security has improved due to the combination of the surge, the U.S. military's adaptation to its Iraq mission, the increased capabilities of the Iraqi forces, and the realignment of key Iraqi tribal and militia leaders. In his time in Iraq, Agresto consistently found Kurdish educators among the Iraqis most committed to breaking the cycle of history and developing educational programs that will foster democratic values.3 Despite the dramatic improvements in Iraq, a favorable outcome is not guaranteed. [...] the U.S. needs to promulgate the ideals of liberal democracy by strongly supporting higher education, cultural exchange, and Iraq's internal dialogue.

• Policy Review
• Nbr. 153, February 2009

• Bleak Outlook in Iraq Despite Improvements

BAGHDAD - HOW ARE THINGS going in Iraq, six months before the planned handover of power to the Iraqi people? The honest answer is "not very well." Despite many improvements in Iraqi life, the American-led occupiers haven't yet found a way to put Iraq back together - politically, economically, or socially. That's why the Bush administration's decision to seek assistance from the United Nations made sense. The administration doesn't have a lot of good alternatives left.

• The Record, Bergen County, NJ
• January 20, 2004

• 'Tough Love' Needed

sees improvements in Iraq in recent years, especially since the troop "surge" began in early 2007. He also cites cooperation of ethnic leaders with the U.S., the growing effectiveness of the Iraqi troops and growing trust between Iraqis and Americans. "When things really become far more peaceful, and they will, then we will be more in the form that we are in Japan or Korea," said Shays. Shays supports reducing troop levels by about 5,000 per month until they are in the range of 50,000 to 60,000. The remaining troops will fight less and become more involved in logistical and support work, he said.

• New Haven Register
• March 18, 2008

• Close air support tactics sharpened in Iraq: despite recent success, improvements still needed in equipment and training.

Close air support missions in the war over Iraq saw unprecedented levels of coordination between ground forces and aviators, officials said. But impro...

• National Defense
• Vol. 87 Nbr. 595, June 2003

• Democrats Unwilling to Recognize Advances in Iraq

No one can spend some 10 days visiting the battlefields in Iraq without seeing major progress in every area. ... If the U.S. provides sustained support to the Iraqi government -- in security, governance, and development -- there is now a very real chance that Iraq will emerge as a secure and stable state." -- Anthony Cordesman, "The Situation in Iraq: A Briefing from the Battlefield," Feb. 13, 2008 WASHINGTON -- This from a man who was a severe critic of the postwar occupation of Iraq and who, as author Peter Wehner points out, is no wide-eyed optimist. In fact, in May 2006 Cordesman had written that "no one can argue that the prospects for stability in Iraq are good." Now, however, there is simply no denying the remarkable improvements in Iraq since the surge began a year ago.

• Deseret News (Salt Lake City)
• February 24, 2008

• Terrorists Retool Carnage in Iraq ; * Improvements Toinsurgents' Bombs Keep an Army-Led Task Force On Its Toes.

The car bombs killing troops and civilians in Iraq have grown more sophisticated as insurgents gain training and financing across the border in Syria, defense officials say. The officials estimate that improvised explosive devices (IEDs), both roadside and car-borne, now account for 50 percent of all daily attacks, or "contacts," in Iraq.

• The Washington Times
• June 13, 2005

• Remarks at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio

The improvements in security resulting from the surge are also enabling Iraqis to make progress on their economy. Iraq has great economic potential. They've got a young, energetic population; it's got a lot of natural resources. Yet in many ways, the legacy of the tyrant continues to haunt the Iraqi economy. The Government is forced to rely on the centralized food and fuel rationing system that [Saddam Hussein] used to control his population and to punish his enemies.

• Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents
• August 26, 2009

• On the Front - U.N. Iraq Envoy Praises Progress -- 2008 Is Year to Deliver Basic Services, Security, He Tells Security Council

UNITED NATIONS - The top U.N. envoy in Iraq on Monday welcomed recent improvements in security and tentative steps towards national reconciliation, urging all parties to maintain the positive momentum. It needs to be sustained by political activities and dialogue among the Iraqis," Staffan de Mistura said.

• The Commercial Appeal (2007-Current)
• January 22, 2008

• Mccain's Vision and Judgment ; the Right Man for Foreign Policy

Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama will begin their final drive for the presidency in September. Their stances on the Iraq War may be on many voter minds come election day. As it now stands, Mr. McCain's prospects are enhanced by the dramatic security, political and economic improvements occurring in Iraq. The two senators recently spoke at the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Convention. Mr. McCain emphasized he will bring U.S. troops home with honor and victory, leaving Iraq secured as a democratic ally in the Persian Gulf heartland. Mr. Obama reiterated his long- standing view that the five-year-old Iraq War is a mistake and a waste of U.S. lives and money.

• The Washington Times
• September 16, 2008