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The surge effect is the result of gains in Iraq well beyond the most optimistic dreams of the surge's advocates. The American military, led by General David Petraeus, has under-promised and over-delivered. Violence has dropped precipitously. So have attacks on Americans and combat deaths. Baghdad has been virtually secured, al Qaeda crushed, and sectarian bloodshed significantly reduced. Provinces once controlled by insurgents are scheduled to be turned over to well-trained Iraqi forces, starting with Anbar in the spring. The war, in short, is being won.
The Surge Effect - The gamble in Iraq is paying off
Seeded on Sun Jan 13, 2008 8:35 AM EST
Article Source: Campaign Standard- Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.
- Public Discussion (2)
It wasn't a gamble to think that more American troops would stifle the violence somewhat. I'm thrilled that fewer people are being killed, but not too surprised.
I am also not surprised by the lack of political progress, and that's what's going to split the country in the long run.
We're giving them breathing room to make some important steps. Until they do, the Iraq news is more mixed than this article is reporting.
#1 - Sun Jan 13, 2008 12:51 PM ESTInteresting how our newsies happily repeat the 'surge is working' line. Has anyone noted that some of the positive changes that have taken place in the last few months started before the surge? And are not related to the presence of additional American troops in Baghdad? NPR did some nice reporting on this last week.
Of course, if you view the 'surge' as an escalation, it all may fall into place. More troops, bigger investment, harder to leave. See McCain (in favor of the surge) now talking about a 50-100 year commitment. And Bush is backtracking on bringing troops home. Wasn't that really the goal?
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