Michael Yon emails:
We have won the war in Iraq. By “we” I mean the Coalition and the Iraqis. Unless there is some unexpected reversal, what lays ahead is the challenge of building a better Iraq. There is still violence. We have lost four soldiers to combat this month, but there were times when we lost that many on an average day. There still are attacks, though we have finally reached the point where all that’s left are truly “dead-enders.” Al Qaeda is still a problem, but their numbers are decreasing in Iraq. The Iraqi people are sick of the violence. The Iraqi Army
is filled with courageous soldiers who can fight. It is possible that by the end of the year we can really say, “Mission Accomplished,” except for the continued support that Iraq will need.Personally, my optimism has never been higher for Iraq.
Knowing Yon’s track record, you can just about take that to the bank. While we have won the war in Iraq, we are currently losing the war in Afghanistan. But read what Yon has to say about that. And note that not only are more troops and resources being freed up in Iraq, but that one key man has been pulled from Iraq and made a global resource.
And now for some messianic comic relief.
Update:
Now this is more like it, Mac. Contrast that with Mr. Elmer “I’m gonna invade Pakistan” Gantry.