The Forgotten War

From the Cunning Realist, a few points from the 2006 Report on Iraq to Congress, submitted by the Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld.

1. "Terrorist attacks have failed to create and spread sectarian conflict." (page 3)

2. "Increasingly robust Iraqi political institutions will provide peaceful means for reconciliation and bridging divides." (page 9)

3. Insurgents have "failed to deter development of the Iraq Security forces" and "failed to damage Iraqi public trust in the Iraq security forces." (page 23)

4. "The overarching term 'insurgency' is less of a useful construct today" because "previous synergy among enemy groups is breaking apart." (page 24)

The above wasn't written in 2003, 2004, or even "last throes" mid-2005. It was written six months ago.

Thanks to the CR for scanning through the report and pulling out the "Greatest Hits." This follows the previous post on the opinion of the British ambassador to Iraq that the situation is regressing. Had a discussion today with a colleague regarding whether Rumsfeld was responsible for the situation on the ground in Iraq or the generals that gave him the information and advice on how to invade and occupy Iraq. In my opinion the buck stops with Bush, since he is not going anywhere before 2008, the most obvious head to roll would be Rumsfeld.