The Inside Skinny...
Or…Changing Hearts:
Hilarious! A big bold headline in the Stars and Stripes dated today declared: AVERAGE WEEKLY ATTACKS HIT RECORD HIGH IN IRAQ (AP Story, March 17, 2007) Then you read the story, it refers to Jan-Feb. 4th??? Over a month ago??? And very different from this past month: Civilian deaths were down over 80%! Soldiers here scratch their heads over the Iraq they live in and the other one they read about. So do we.
I’d say the majority of Iraqis have been onboard and excited for their new freedom and country, but two die-hard areas with fanatics have remained and resisted. But even now it appears many of those Iraqis are being won over by the irresistible patience and zeal of Americans on their behalf.
The change?
The Sunnis, who thought al-Qaida might help them punish America for removing them from power have found they are targets too. Al-qaida learned that blowing up school children and market places brings them LARGE HEADLINES. Sunnis, finding their own children targeted, are deciding America makes better friends. Plus, they have decided to participate in the new political process, rather than protest, lest they be cut out of the oil profits.
It is believed that Shiite fanatics were mostly lead by Al-Sadr and supported by Iran. At the threat of the surge, Al-Sadr fled to Iran and his militia disappeared into the woodwork, perhaps hoping for coalition forces to abandon Iraq. It is believed he and his men were responsible for 50 be-headings, kidnappings, and executions a day!
Anyway. Sunnis rejecting Al-qaida. Al-Sadr away. Violence way down. It seems these particular Sunnis and Shiites are deciding that terrorism is not providing safety or jobs and they are getting tired of the lack of both.
The numbers already show huge changes. Just to name one that is representative: 1440 Iraq civilians killed the preceding month, only 256 in this first month of the “surge.” High-profile car bombings, road bombs, soldier deaths, all SHARPLY down. Awesome! I have always believed that American and Iraqi will combined could win over any foe.
Just had to set the record straight. Next month may be another story, but this has been a great month for Iraq!
Though Sunni, Shiite, and Kurdish adults all see Americans in different shades of like and dislike; children are constant--regardless of background.
And what's not to like about these loyal, couragous, and boyish heroes?
Hilarious! A big bold headline in the Stars and Stripes dated today declared: AVERAGE WEEKLY ATTACKS HIT RECORD HIGH IN IRAQ (AP Story, March 17, 2007) Then you read the story, it refers to Jan-Feb. 4th??? Over a month ago??? And very different from this past month: Civilian deaths were down over 80%! Soldiers here scratch their heads over the Iraq they live in and the other one they read about. So do we.
I’d say the majority of Iraqis have been onboard and excited for their new freedom and country, but two die-hard areas with fanatics have remained and resisted. But even now it appears many of those Iraqis are being won over by the irresistible patience and zeal of Americans on their behalf.
The change?
The Sunnis, who thought al-Qaida might help them punish America for removing them from power have found they are targets too. Al-qaida learned that blowing up school children and market places brings them LARGE HEADLINES. Sunnis, finding their own children targeted, are deciding America makes better friends. Plus, they have decided to participate in the new political process, rather than protest, lest they be cut out of the oil profits.
It is believed that Shiite fanatics were mostly lead by Al-Sadr and supported by Iran. At the threat of the surge, Al-Sadr fled to Iran and his militia disappeared into the woodwork, perhaps hoping for coalition forces to abandon Iraq. It is believed he and his men were responsible for 50 be-headings, kidnappings, and executions a day!
Anyway. Sunnis rejecting Al-qaida. Al-Sadr away. Violence way down. It seems these particular Sunnis and Shiites are deciding that terrorism is not providing safety or jobs and they are getting tired of the lack of both.
The numbers already show huge changes. Just to name one that is representative: 1440 Iraq civilians killed the preceding month, only 256 in this first month of the “surge.” High-profile car bombings, road bombs, soldier deaths, all SHARPLY down. Awesome! I have always believed that American and Iraqi will combined could win over any foe.
Just had to set the record straight. Next month may be another story, but this has been a great month for Iraq!
Though Sunni, Shiite, and Kurdish adults all see Americans in different shades of like and dislike; children are constant--regardless of background.
And what's not to like about these loyal, couragous, and boyish heroes?
posted by Ernest at 5:10 AM
3 Comments:
I Love this excellent post... :) Hearing the good news is so very important, since many in the US construct a media bias, to suit their.... (#!@%) campaign agenda. :|
So, please keep it coming... Otherwise we have no way of knowing the true and real... "skinny." haha
Good news doesn't always last, but it almost seems like there is a vendetta against it when it does happen! I've got some great stories coming up soon so stay tuned...
P.S.
...I don't know where that "skinny" colloquialism came from either...I think from "Gansta" days?
Hey!
>"Gansta" days?
Thanks to you guys, they're quickly improving... And yes, I definately see similarities with the Capone era.
In fact, except for times (of which you referred to) as "peak violence"; there are said to be the same murder rates as in cities like Chicago...
http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/014502.php
:| (sorry it wasn't letting me ad html)
We all (in US) must give them time...
Cheers!
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