Did we win In Iraq?

Charles says we did, “It’s not an official day, but a number of bloggers are celebrating Victory in Iraq Day, November 22, 2008. We’re glad to join them, and to say thank you to the men and women of the military—and the courageous Iraqis who’ve worked so hard to establish the beginnings of a democracy in the Middle East.”

I support our troops and I like the fact that Charles is supporting our troops. But I do not think we won in Iraq. What do you think?

War’s Over, We Won (No Thanks to Barack Obama)

If Barack Obama had gotten his way, Iraq would now be in the hands of Islamists, and America’s image would have suffered a crushing blow. He voted to cut off funding for the troops, just when they needed it most, and still refuses to admit he was wrong.

Well, he was wrong, and George W. Bush deserves credit for refusing to back down when all around him were losing heart: “The war is over and we won.”

Michael Yon just phoned from Baghdad, and reports that things are much better than he had expected, and he had expected things to be good. “There’s nothing going on. I’m with the 10th Mountain Division, and about half of the guys I’m with haven’t fired their weapons on this tour and they’ve been here eight months. And the place we’re at, South Baghdad, used to be one of the worst places in Iraq. And now there’s nothing going on. I’ve been walking my feet off and haven’t seen anything. I’ve been asking Iraqis, ‘do you think the violence will kick up again,’ but even the Iraqi journalists are sounding optimistic now and they’re usually dour.”

(Hat tip: The LGF Cult Leader)

Redefining Denial

Many were skeptical of Amir Taheri’s report that Barack Obama had asked Iraqi officials to delay a security agreement until after the elections, and the Obama campaign denied it—but their denial is actually a confirmation of Taheri’s article.

Obama’s national security spokeswoman Wendy Morigi said Taheri’s article bore “as much resemblance to the truth as a McCain campaign commercial.”

In fact, Obama had told the Iraqis that they should not rush through a “Strategic Framework Agreement” governing the future of US forces until after President George W. Bush leaves office, she said.

Also see: Pajamas Media: Obama’s Questionable Diplomacy in Iraq.

(Hat tip:Chucky the LGF Cult leader)

Iraqis Want to Prosecute Politician Who Went to Israel

Appalling.

BAGHDAD, Sept 14 (Reuters) – Iraq said on Sunday it would prosecute a politician who made a trip to Israel and angry parliamentarians voted to strip him of his legal immunity.

Members of parliament said Mithal al-Alusi had committed a crime by “visiting a country that Iraq considers an enemy”, in breach of a law they said had been retained since the rule of late dictator Saddam Hussein.

Like most Arab countries, Iraq has no diplomatic relations with Israel, but it is not clear exactly what the law says about visiting it. Alusi made a trip there earlier this month for a conference on terrorism and security.

“In the name of the government and prime minister, we reject this visit which violated the law and provoked the feelings of the Iraqi people. The government will take all legal measures against this person,” minister for parliamentary affairs Safaaeddine al-Safi told the assembly.

(Hat tip:Nancy@LGF)