Amir Taheri writes what I've insisted on for some time:
AS some politicians and pundits try to prove that America has lost the war in Iraq, a key question remains unasked: How is the enemy doing?
The facts on the ground are that the two chief enemies of the new Iraq - the groups wearing the al Qaeda label and the Iran-backed Shiite militias - are not doing well. Indeed, one might say that both have already lost their bids for power and, the continued killings notwithstanding, are in the process of marginalization. The only way they could make a comeback is if Congress decides to legislate a victory for them.
Read the whole thing.
We've beaten our enemies. This doesn't mean they are destroyed, but they can't shoot their way into power. As long as these enemies still shoot and bomb, they could win in the end. But such a victory would rely on us helping them up, dusting them off, and handing them their weapons while we wave goodbye and leave Iraq.
Stop looking for one turning point in the war. We've faced several primary battlefield enemies and so have had several turning points in the war.
Don't surrender now. It would really be embarrassing at this point.
Have a little pride, people, if national interest and decency aren't enough to hold steady.
