(2008-07-08) Surge Status

Lots of people are saying that the Surge in the War On Iraq is working now. That seems to be softening Barack Obama's plans, among other things.

Is it true?

Feb: [z2008-02-26-RosenIraqSurge]

Mar17: is the key metric political progress?

Apr17: there's still no state/institutions there.

Jun04: John Robb says With a partial US withdrawal from Iraq likely for next spring, the factions in Iraq are relatively quiet, building strength for the battles to come. There are lots of bloody scores to settle (is there a Maliki dead pool online?).

Jun27: we might not accept what "win" is available.

Jun27: William Lind says Violence is down because the constantly shifting network of deals and alliances among Iraq's warlords has created a stable interlude. Those alliances will continue to shift, and as they do so violence will rise again. How many reporters are asking the talking dog majors who brief the press the central strategic question, namely whether there is any evidence a state is re-emerging in Iraq? As best I can tell, none.