Violence in Iraq Drops to its Lowest Levels Since August 2003

The U.S. Military reported yesterday that violence in Iraq has dropped to its lowest levels since August 2003. In Baghdad alone, violence has decreased 90% since the surge of U.S. troops began in 2007. The Iraqi security forces have grown 25% in the last year to 618,000 contributing to the improved security.

Unfortunately, the mainstream media doesn't report good news coming out of Iraq and even if it did, with the economic crisis we are in, the news of improved security in Iraq likely wouldn't make the front page or the nightly news.

It's only a matter of time that Iraq will be able to fully handle its own security allowing U.S. troops to start coming home. A democratic Iraq, in what is still a very unstable region of the world, will go a long way in helping the United States and its allies ensure that Iran remains nuclear-free and is our best bet for long lasting peace in the Middle East.

At the risk of sounding redundant, history will vindicate this war and George W. Bush who chose to wage it. Probably not in our lifetime, but maybe in our kids' lifetime. The Civil War was an unpopular war in the North and early Southern victories made it, along with the President, even more unpopular. Today, President Lincoln is hailed as a hero for his fight to keep the Union together and freeing the slaves. Although the Civil War was a tragedy due the massive life lost, it is viewed by many as a success. That is why it is important to always keep things in perspective.

Source: Department of Defense