First we need to remember that Michael Yon was a Special Forces soldier and is now an independent journalist that has spent 1-1/2 yrs in the battlezone of Iraq to bring us the truth of what is happening there.
Key Quote from this piece:
Anyone who says Al Qaeda is not one of the primary problems in Iraq is simply ignorant of the facts.
He follows that up with this:
I, like everyone else, will have to wait for September's report from Gen. Petraeus before making more definitive judgments. But I know for certain that three things are different in Iraq now from any other time I've seen it.
1. Iraqis are uniting across sectarian lines to drive Al Qaeda in all its disguises out of Iraq, and they are empowered by the success they are having, each one creating a ripple effect of active citizenship.
2. The Iraqi Army is much more capable now than it was in 2005. It is not ready to go it alone, but if we keep working, that day will come.
3. Gen. Petraeus is running the show. Petraeus may well prove to be to counterinsurgency warfare what Patton was to tank battles with Rommel, or what Churchill was to the Nazis.
And yes, in case there is any room for question, Al Qaeda still is a serious problem in Iraq, one that can be defeated. Until we do, real and lasting security will elude both the Iraqis and us.
Now, go read the whole piece, it is great!!
Next I see another article, the headline says it all:
"Wait, haul down the white flags - the surge in Iraq is working"
Finally, we see the Republican Presidential Candidates understand and are taking notice of the progress being seen on the ground in Iraq right now. (Via memeorandum as well as the buzz on the GOP Debate.)
Just a few Iraq related articles for your reading enjoyment.
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