(This picture is from Michael Yon)Again, let me start with a huge caution. We are in a war. The enemy is ruthless and dangerous. The enemy lives 24/7 committed to the destruction of the West. The enemy is capable of blowing up innocent people.
Nevertheless, you have to feel good with the news coming out of Iraq. Most of all, it's nice to see kids playing in the streets and people smiling.
"The gaudy orange, green and purple electronic palm trees flashing in the dark alert you that you're getting close to one of Baghdad's bustling nightspots.
The palms, like a mirage, can be seen from way down the darkened streets, lighting up the night and giving a promise of normality in the otherwise bleak and deserted capital, ravaged by four years of insurgency and sectarian strife.
And then, suddenly, you've arrived and the mirage has become an oasis of generator-driven light; a colourful jumble of trendy juice bars, cosy restaurants, fruit shops, roadside eateries and fish vendors, where children play, families dine and lovers meet."
It's not Las Vegas but things are looking better!
"For the first time, however, returning to Baghdad after an absence of four months, I can actually say that things do seem to have gotten better, and in ways that may even be durable."
"Since the violence has decreased in Baghdad people have begun trickling back into cafes and streets in the hope that the calm will last.
Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki said the dip in violence had allowed 7,000 families to return to Baghdad, though it was not clear how he arrived at that figure."
"Iraq has turned into a success story. All we need is the political will to continue that success."
Yes, I understand that the war is not over. Frankly, I am not suggesting that you schedule your high school reunion in Baghdad.
However, the trend is outstanding. Most of all, it's nice to see smiles in Iraqi faces. The Iraqi people were brutalized by Saddam. The war was obviously tough on them.
Today, Iraqis are smiling, shopping and saying "Thanks and Praise". It looks a lot better! (U.N. official says Iraq showing progress)
See Something To Give Thanks For (Good news from Iraq) By Christopher Hitchens:
"What worries me about the reaction of liberals and Democrats is not the skepticism, which is pardonable, but the dank and sinister impression they give that the worse the tidings, the better they would be pleased. The latter mentality isn't pardonable and ought not to be pardoned, either."
Finally, we can be happy about the Iraq news. It's good for us. It speaks volumes about the sacrifice and good work of US and coalition soldiers. It's good for the people of Iraq. It's Thanksgiving Week and let's be thankful for the good news coming from Iraq! (Iraq 'N' Rolling)
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