Is it becoming true that even the Arab World is tired of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and the rest of the insurgency? And it turns out this week, that those staunchly opposed to al-Qaida are finally winning–for the the time being. No they say? Even the L.A. Times asserts–al-Qaida is losing its stronghold in several areas of Iraq.
The first stop on [Chalabi's] itinerary this day is the compound of Sheik Nadeem Hatim Sultan, leader of the Tamimi tribe in the Taji region north of the capital. Until two months ago, the area was a hot spot for ethnic violence and an outpost for the insurgent group Al Qaeda in Iraq. U.S.-led troops routed insurgents under the new security push, and tribal sheiks fought to regain control of their community. Sectarian fires have cooled now and residents are eager to rebuild the area’s economy, fueled by lush farmland and about 15 textile factories, and to restore its public services. Chalabi is received like royalty.
With the Baath Party, a flailing, pseudosecular group, aligning themselves with al-Qaeda, neoislamic fascists, neither faction is profiting from the relationship nearly as much as previously. Amidst significant U.S. victories in Anbar Province it can at least be said that things are looking up, if only slightly. The Maliki government has been quick to convict (yet slow to punish) Sultan Hashim Ahmed al-Tai, Sadam’s former Minister of Defence. A brutal tyrant with a propensity for trouble–both local and remote in nature.
With the above being said, I’m not sure the recent U.S. achievements are being considered as recherché by American liberals. I don’t think good cheer from Iraq is exactly what they want to hear and it certainly doesn’t put any arrows in the Dems quiver. What they need are words like quagmire and tumultuous, especially heading into an election they are calling potential “regime-change.” So it seems that the left is thankful that there are other complaints about the current administration this season.
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