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Iraqi Government Takes Control of Green Zone
January 01, 2009 1:13 PM
Here's another sign of progress in Iraq: the Green Zone, the heart of the U.S. military occupation of Iraq, has been handed over to the Iraqi government. This means the Iraqis control the country's airspace and the coming and going of U.S. troops.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says he'll propose making Jan. 1 a holiday marking the restoration of sovereignty. "A year ago, the mere thought of forces withdrawing from Iraq was considered a dream," al-Maliki said after ceremonies marking the handover. "The dream that no one had the right to think about became true."
British troops today also turned over to Iraqi authorities control over the airport in Basra.
- jpt
January 1, 2009 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (7)
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At the end of the day, I'd have to say there is a clear sign of success in Iraq, substantial reduction in violence, and that the surge clearly worked. John McCain was right about all these things. Unfortunately for McCain he was wrong for the economy and our future. Also, Obama will be able to capitalize on McCain's surge success (which Rumsfeld fought against) by drawing us down more quickly, while surging in Afghanistan, which is sorely needed. In the end, Iraq is a net failure for our country, but a success for America's finest, our service men and women.
Posted by: WestCoastMessenger | Jan 1, 2009 6:48:55 PM
And it lasts how long? 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ?
Posted by: beebop | Jan 1, 2009 5:36:09 PM
Juan Cole adds some context to this story in his blog posting titled "Top Ten Myths about Iraq, 2008".
The conventional wisdom that the surge alone saved Iraq is contradicted by the argument that Shiites ethnically cleansing Sunnis from Baghdad was the main cause of the drop in violence.
I'd like to see a real debate on that point sometime.
Also, according to Cole, McCain was wrong to the point of being childishly delusional about Al-Qaeda being able to take over Iraq in the event of a US withdrawal.
It does seem as though all signs are go for US withdrawal pretty soon. How complete it will be I'm not sure, though...
Good riddance to Saddam Hussein and the Ba'ath party, but what was the real cost? It's something that can be measured in many ways, probalby to no one's complete satisfaction.
Posted by: Danny | Jan 1, 2009 2:57:59 PM
Doesn't matter if the surge worked. Premeptive invasions that cost us a trillion dollars and increase Iranian influence should not be part of our foreign policy goals.
Posted by: Joe | Jan 1, 2009 2:30:37 PM
I wonder how long it will take for another dictator to come along and take over again. Maybe the country will split into three entities. Maybe we can invade again 25 years from now.
Posted by: yeah | Jan 1, 2009 2:25:38 PM
who cares:
Since when the host tells the guest that do not come in my sitting room or go to the kitchen, and you take it as a compliment!!!!!
Posted by: Rosie | Jan 1, 2009 2:24:24 PM
makes Obama look like a kid huh... Hillary was right, McCain was right, the surge worked.. only Obama was wrong LMAO .. but thats a kid for ya
Posted by: who cares | Jan 1, 2009 1:50:13 PM
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