Naturalized-Texan
09-12-2007, 04:31 PM
After the Hill Surge (http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MTI1ZjBkNDc3NmIzNDNjMTg4M2FmMDFiYWIzMjM2ZDI=)
General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker, testifying before the House and the Senate during the last two days, did what many people thought was impossible: They reset the Washington clock. These good men, by what they have achieved in Iraq and by the force and power of their testimonies, have recast the terms of the debate. They will now have until next summer to build on their successes, which in turn could eventually lead to a decent outcome in Iraq. To appreciate how extraordinary this is, it’s worth recalling how far we have come.
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Civilian deaths of all categories have declined by more than 45 percent in Iraq since the height of sectarian violence in December. During the same period the number of overall ethno-sectarian deaths has decreased by more than half and by about 80 percent in Baghdad. We’ve seen a dramatic decrease in monthly attack levels in Anbar Province, due in large measure to the rejection of al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) by local Anbaris. The number of car bombings and suicide attacks has declined in each of the past five months. And the number of areas in which AQI have enjoyed sanctuary has been considerably reduced.
In the words of Michael O’Hanlon of the Brookings Institution and senior author of the Iraq Index, “All major categories of violence have been trending downward over the course of the year, according to most primary data sources, be they American, Iraqi or non-governmental.”
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What exactly is causing the American Left and its Democratic supporters to slander General Petraeus? What is his Great Sin? It is simply this: General Petraeus is helping America succeed in this war, and he is honestly reporting on his success. Apparently this is grounds for vilification among some on the Left and within the modern Democratic party.
General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker, testifying before the House and the Senate during the last two days, did what many people thought was impossible: They reset the Washington clock. These good men, by what they have achieved in Iraq and by the force and power of their testimonies, have recast the terms of the debate. They will now have until next summer to build on their successes, which in turn could eventually lead to a decent outcome in Iraq. To appreciate how extraordinary this is, it’s worth recalling how far we have come.
..................
Civilian deaths of all categories have declined by more than 45 percent in Iraq since the height of sectarian violence in December. During the same period the number of overall ethno-sectarian deaths has decreased by more than half and by about 80 percent in Baghdad. We’ve seen a dramatic decrease in monthly attack levels in Anbar Province, due in large measure to the rejection of al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) by local Anbaris. The number of car bombings and suicide attacks has declined in each of the past five months. And the number of areas in which AQI have enjoyed sanctuary has been considerably reduced.
In the words of Michael O’Hanlon of the Brookings Institution and senior author of the Iraq Index, “All major categories of violence have been trending downward over the course of the year, according to most primary data sources, be they American, Iraqi or non-governmental.”
................
What exactly is causing the American Left and its Democratic supporters to slander General Petraeus? What is his Great Sin? It is simply this: General Petraeus is helping America succeed in this war, and he is honestly reporting on his success. Apparently this is grounds for vilification among some on the Left and within the modern Democratic party.