"National reconciliation efforts have succeeded in Iraq and the Iraqis have once again become loving brothers," he said in a speech broadcast live on television. "We have ended the security instability and we have to chase al-Qaida elements in other places such as Mosul, Diyala and Kirkuk in order to finish the battle for good so that we can concentrate on the reconstruction phase."
Al-Maliki, addressing the crowds below from a raised podium in the holy city of Karbala, said it would be "the year of construction and services" and he called on all Iraqis to work to bring the country closer together.
"I affirm the necessity of pushing the political process, boosting security and the economy and combating corruption. ... We should be united and keep away from personal interests in order to face the greater challenges and achieve final victory," al-Maliki said.
It is interesting that he highlighted the fight against the jihadis. This was also an appeal to Sunni Arabs to resist any urge to restart their war against the government. He is reminding them that by uniting to drive out the al Qaeda invaders, Sunni Arabs can ratify their status as loyal Iraqis despite their long history of backing Saddam's oppression and even longer history of ruling over the Shias.
Given the history of Iraq, reconciliation isn't going to be easy. Progress will take place with starts and stops. That it is going forward at all is remarkable. And any Americans still going on about Florida in 2000 or Ohio in 2004 should look in the mirror before they complain too bitterly about the uneven progress Iraq is making.
