Hopeful signs in Baghdad?
posted at 5:12 pm on February 19, 2007 by Allahpundit
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U.S. officials say not to expect concrete results until summer, but with the Sadrists lying low for now, murders are already down precipitously (yesterday’s bombing notwithstanding). Ever hopeful, Iraq the Model says DPs are already coming home:
Although attacks happen here and there, the general feeling is still closer to hope and appreciation of the plan than pessimism. More families are returning to the homes they were once forced to leave, and we’re talking about some of the most dangerous districts such as Ghazaliya and Haifa Street…
Al-Hurra TV aired a report on the story and interviewed some of the returning Baghdadis, one man said “those who returned earlier and saw the change in the situation called us and encouraged us to return, and I too will encourage the rest to come back”.
The more interesting report is from Eason Jordan’s outfit, Iraqslogger, which isn’t given to optimism and offers a mixed bag in its latest post, but with this tantalizing bit thrown in:
Youths were seen celebrating in the streets in the Washash area, apparently enjoying the militia’s inability to impose restrictions on the local population. The Mahdi Army has a very low profile in the city. In Mahdi Army strongholds, such as Sadr City and Washash, many individuals express relief that the militia’s control of these areas has lifted. Some residents had resented the religious laws imposed by the Mahdi Army in some areas where it is the dominant security presence.
Inside certain mosques in Ghazalia, Sunni and Shi`a Muslims have held common prayers. According to local sources, this practice started within the last few days.
If the locals are celebrating, they must be pretty confident the JAM isn’t there. Exit question: How’s Petraeus going to keep them from coming back?
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You do know that Mooky has an Iraqi warrant out for his arrest? Stems from his being involved in the assasination of a fellow Iraqi cleric a couple of years ago. Last I heard it was still in force, though not being served for political reasons….
Now… if someone would remind him of that little fact, he wouldn’t BE coming back.
Romeo13 on February 19, 2007 at 5:21 PM
Optimism? From Allah?
This is a sign of impending doom ….
Ali-Bubba on February 19, 2007 at 5:27 PM
Of COURSE there are hopeful signs. Always have been.
I have said this before and will say it again: The jihadists cannot win unless they have a caliphate. A large portion of the world hermetically sealed from Western Civilization. They must have this privileged sanctuary while practicing coercive proselyting here or they are sunk. With Uncle Sam in Iraq, said caliphate is beyond their reach.
If they have not achieved caliphate within a deacde and a half, they probably will never get it. If they have not gotten it within 25 to 30 years, their hopes are forever dashed.
On a worst-case basis, we could blunder along as we have been, losing a thousand men a year and still wind up winning while suffering no more than 75% to 80% of the battle deaths of Korea.
Thus, any improvement in daily operations improves on the Good News. Running away and surrendering is the ONLY real danger we face. Final answer.
Oilpatcher on February 19, 2007 at 5:31 PM
I know it’s really early, but this is great news.
As for Patraeus keeping the bad guys from coming back, I just hope they were watching when they left. I also hope that the Iraqis will love not being oppressed by the militias and report suspicious people coming back in.
I’m very hopeful and optimistic. And here’s another interesting and directly related link. It’s supposedly Patraeus’ 11 point plan for Baghdad.
techno_barbarian on February 19, 2007 at 5:31 PM
Contrary to what I heard all last week from the dems and a few pubs cowards in the House last week, Patraeus’ plan makes a lot of sense.
How they could unanimously vote to authorize Patraeus and his plan, and then immediately, the next DAY, turn around and claim it’s the same ol’ same ol’ and we need a change is galling to me.
techno_barbarian on February 19, 2007 at 5:35 PM
I hope we remember what we learned when they all disappeared as Franks thundered toward Baghdad. Nothing like fighting snakes crawling in and out of their holes.
Griz on February 19, 2007 at 5:36 PM
Yep… while Franks was moving more troops, faster, and forging the greatest and least costly military victory in history….
You noticed that as soon as we said we were gonna get serious again they started runnin?
Dam, I hate this Congres…. its the only chance our enemies really have.
Romeo13 on February 19, 2007 at 5:41 PM
I was reading Iraq the Model earlier and was pleased to see some optimism. Even more progress is being made domestically now that the Pantsuit Calls for Unity in Wartime. Note the unique fashion.
JammieWearingFool on February 19, 2007 at 5:47 PM
What’s that? America shows a minor streak of strength and the jihadists go to ground? Shoot, who’d've thunk it! Meet force with overwhelming force and we might just win a war here!
jaleach on February 19, 2007 at 5:55 PM
i’ll pray
Defector01 on February 19, 2007 at 6:15 PM
What’s the over/under on how many weeks/months before the MSM can’t avoid mentioning or reporting on the success of the surge troops.
Here is a prediction: the surge is particularly effective at reducing the violence and deaths in Baghdad. The Donks, seizing the opportunity, declare before summer that the troops are no longer needed since the sitation has “stabilized.” They will ramp up their call for the troops to withdrawl. Meanwhile, the vermin wait….
Mallard T. Drake on February 19, 2007 at 6:49 PM
Gosh.
I just listened to Charlie Gibson at ABC give us the horrible news of how bad it is in Baghdad now that the “surge” has begun.
Do-ya think he’s lying? [Ans: YEP!]
AP asks: “How’s Petraeus going to keep them from coming back?”
By killing them while in return transit or while trying to restablish themselves. That is when they are most vulnerable, because they are not hunkered down in hiding in safe houses.
georgej on February 19, 2007 at 6:58 PM
Where’s honora? She likes to assess first ladies’ clothes.
What would Ms. Marcotte say to your ‘Pantsuit’ reference, JWF?
Don’t bank that unity yet, though.
Prediction – if the surge+ goes well, the media will find a way to credit the new congress and the pressure on the CiC to change course, bla, bla, bla…Any victory, no matter how miniscule, can’t be the president’s or America’s. Not.good.for.2008 (at least not for their side).
Entelechy on February 19, 2007 at 7:00 PM
I saw that earlier today and it’s got me excited. If Dollard is somehow mistaken, and that’s not the official plan, then it damn well ought to be. It’s solid.
It doesn’t mention my long-time hobby horse of too few advisor/trainers, but points 3, 4, 7, and 8, taken collectivley would achieve the same result: A less corrupt, more highly qualified Iraqi leadership (both civ and mil.)
That’s who ultimately should be keeping the JAM in hiding. Here’s to praying Patraeus can make it happen.
Kadnine on February 19, 2007 at 7:07 PM
Exit question: How’s Petraeus going to keep them from coming back?
That will be very tough to do. But when he does return, I say do something to play to his emotions, draw him out into the open. The USMC will know what to do next.
Zorro on February 19, 2007 at 7:10 PM
I think having Sadr assassinated while in Teheran would send a huge message to the Shiite militias, and more importantly to Iran – you can’t hide from us, and we can reach you whereever you are.
Martin on February 19, 2007 at 7:44 PM
At some point, the Iraqi’s are going to have to keep them from coming back. We need to get to that point.
lorien1973 on February 19, 2007 at 8:05 PM
Ali-Bubba, forgive me, I just can’t help myself…
(Sarcasm “ON”)…. all from the Koran:
Would that be the “…painful doom?”
“… evil doom?”
“…Allah’s doom?”
“…awful doom of hell?”
“…the doom of fire?”
“… the heavy doom?”
“…. shameful doom?”
“… a lasting doom?”
“…. dreadful doom?”
“… fearful doom?”
“…the doom of another doom?”
PinkyBigglesworth on February 19, 2007 at 9:07 PM
I thought this was interesting reading at the ItM site, so many families returning home…..
….and not killing each other.
If we are to believe the drive-by media, Iraq is in the midst of a vicious civil war.
Seems to me that some terrorists and other thugs were the ones doing all the killing.
In reading the ItM site, it seems many normal people are happy to be returning home, and Commanders are handing out their phone numbers.
It’s possible if some of these people experience some peace, they might not hesitate to call the number and drop a dime on some jihadi coming back to town,
91Veteran on February 19, 2007 at 10:27 PM
Pat Dollard just sent me an email.
Try to watch or tivo or whatever.
Guardian on February 19, 2007 at 10:46 PM
Like I said when reports of Mahdi Army playing it quiet surfaced months ago – their reason for existance is to protect the Shiite communities against AQ/Sunnis. If that function can be performed by Iraqi/US forces, that undermines everything Sadr stands for.
Clark1 on February 20, 2007 at 1:54 AM
What is all this non-quagmire talk? This is phony as the faked moon landings. Murtha assures me of this.
Purple Avenger on February 20, 2007 at 6:50 PM
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