Iraq - Hope Springs Eternal 2nd Posting

The hope for success and an end to the Iraq war (see September 8th Posting)seems brighter. The Petraeus report in September seemed to dash hopes for me - there just did not seem like enough success at that time.

But luck has been with the U.S. and it comes from no other than Al Quida. They went into Iraq - a huge mistake for them and now the U.S., if it plays its card right, can snatch a victory from what was a black hole of death. Nothing can unite a people more than a common enemy and the Iraqi's found out they had one in Al Quida. They came together enough to drive this enemy out. The violence has gone down in Iraq, in Anbar but of more significance,in Bagdad.

Hope springs eternal. During this time, with the U.S. help, the security in the country has improved. The hope is that this is not just a respite from success in driving out Al Quida. Have the factions realized that outside insurgents are a greater threat to their peace and well being than the historical hatreds they have harbored and from which they have sought such bloody revenge? To me, the outcome now seems brighter.

It is ironic that Al Quida made the same mistake the U.S. did. They went into Iraq with the intention of causing violence and death. Hopefully, this is the beginning of the end of this long nightmare and the U.S. can soon begin the long process of repairing the damage it has done to itself in the world ( after Vietnam, it took 30 years). Now do things correctly and concentrate on necessary solutions like properly fighting terrorism, joining the Kyoto Protocol, work with the world in reducing the nuclear threat and find alternative sources of energy. Hope springs eternal.

Aime Casavant