Bush updates progress in Iraq

by Stan Lowe, Chairman (retired), Wyoming Veterans' Commission
Tuesday, September 11, 2007 1:44 PM MDT

President George W. Bush addressed the opening session of The American Legion's 89th National Convention on Aug. 28 in the huge Reno-Sparks (Nev.) Convention Center, which this columnist attended.

The assembled Legionnaires gave Bush, also a Legionnaire, an enthusiastic reception, and he reciprocated with an informative speech.

His 45-minute address, frequently interrupted by thunderous applause, began with a review of why America is in Iraq and the dangers facing our nation if we don't stay the course until victory is won as done in other tough wars.

Then he focused on positive changes that occurred over the past couple months since his new strategy of adding more troops, called "the surge," became operational.

While admitting many problems need to be resolved, the president said, "The momentum is now on our side in Iraq." Then he listed major accomplishments.

Here are a few.

Sectarian violence has sharply decreased in Baghdad.

Since January, Coalition forces have killed or captured each month an average of more than 1,500 al Qaeda terrorists and other enemies of Iraq's elected government.

Anbar, the province considered lost to the enemy, is increasingly more peaceful and secure as local Sunnis turn against al Qaeda. Sheiks that formerly supported al Qaeda have helped U.S. forces drive them out of Ramadi, the provincial capital.

Also, residents are providing vital intelligence, and tribesmen are joining the Iraqi police and security forces.

Other good news: al Qaeda is being driven from former strongholds in Baghdad and Diyala province.

In Baqubah, Diyala, six banks have re-opened. Their loans to residents are re-capitalizing the local economy.

Operations are being conducted against Iranian agents that supply lethal munitions to extremist groups.

The U.S. is targeting Iranian-backed Shia death squads and their supply networks, and Prime Minister Maliki is committed to pursue those evil forces.

The new strategy to encourage political cooperation by Sunnis and Shia at the local level is working.

"Many Iraqis who once felt marginalized in a free Iraq are rejoining the political process," Bush said, and now the enemy is being marginalized.

Iraqis are increasingly reaching out to each other, to the Coalition and to their government. Reconciliation is coming from the bottom up. It is impacting the fight against the enemy and is building a solid foundation for a democratic Iraq.

The U.S. strategy is also showing results at the international level.

The United Nations and Iraq, with support from the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and several nations, finalized a compact for new economic assistance and debt relief.

A Neighbors Conference convened by Iraq is bringing together regional nations to encourage economic, security and diplomatic cooperation.

The United Nations Security Council is expanding its mission in Iraq, and a high-ranking envoy is being sent to Iraq to oversee the U.N.'s increased support of that country.

Though Iraq's government still has more to do to meet its legislative benchmarks, many goals are being achieved without legislation. For example, oil is being shared with the provinces without a law requiring it.

The president praised an agreement recently made by Iraq's top government leaders on several proposed bills essential for national reconciliation.

Of course, Parliament still must enact those bills, but this agreement by leadership shows a willingness to work out tough issues.

Electricity production is improving, and Parliament has passed about 60 bills, including a $41 billion budget, which includes $10 billion for reconstruction and capital investment.

The president spoke about the status report on the situation in Iraq and prospects for the future that General David Petraeus, an expert on counterinsurgency, and Ambassador Crocker would deliver to Congress on Sept. 10.

He predicted it would tell what is going well, what needs to be improved and what changes, if any, should be made to the new strategy and force deployments in the months ahead.

Since this status report would be presented just over two months after the surge became fully operational, he recommended, "Congress should listen to it in its entirety and ... withhold any conclusions until they can hear these men out."

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