Ban, who wrote his report prior to Rice's visit, said "the reduction in the overall number of attacks reported across Iraq is a welcome development."
But he said continued improvement in the security situation is likely to depend on engagement by Iraqi security forces and the U.S.-led multinational force, an extension of a temporary cease-fire by radical Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr, and developments related to the Awakening Councils, Sunni Arab groups that switched sides to join U.S. forces against al-Qaida in Iraq.
The secretary-general cautioned, however, that attacks causing mass casualties "are a sobering reminder that those using terrorism in pursuit of their political aims have no regard for human rights or human life."
He lamented that the political process has not shown the "degree of progress" that many had hoped for.
"In order to sustain recent improvements in the security situation, similar improvements in the political arena are needed," Ban said.
Of course, there are still problems so the UN hardly declared victory. I'm happy enough to see Ban recognize good and bad.
Our domestic opposition is incapable of admitting any success. As nearly worthless as the UN is, at least they can admit some success. Apparently they aren't (or are no longer) committed to our defeat in Iraq.
As an aside, the threat of Sadr to unleash his militias decrease each day. With other enemy forces in the field weakening, restarting his war means his side is a lot lonelier on the battlefield. Would Sadr really want to take on Coalition forces when there aren't as many Baathists and jihadis to distract us from killing his men?
