Political Progress in Iraq

I've been waiting for someone to finally bring this information to light. Over the last few weeks there has been much hand wringing from the Democrats and their dinosaur media accomplices that there has been no progress on the political front in Iraq.

They use to complain that there was no military progress but since that is clearly not the case they've had to move on to the Plan B bitching. There hasn't been the grand reconciliation that most of us would like to see but how realistic is that over the short term? Let's focus on the areas where there has been progress.

From the White House:

· FACT: On August 26, Iraqi leaders took an important step towards reaching agreement on de-Ba'athification, a provincial powers law, a draft oil law, detainee issues, and developing a long-term relationship with the United States. As Ambassador Ryan Crocker said August 27: "The statement released by the five leaders yesterday is a positive and encouraging message that the government is making all efforts to achieve benefits for Iraqi people. I'm optimistic. I can see there is progress."

· FACT: The Iraqi Council of Representatives completed about 60 pieces of legislation in its most recent session, including a $41 billion budget that includes $10 billion for reconstruction and capital investment.

· FACT: Iraqis are in some cases reaching interim solutions to problems like oil distribution and de-Ba'athification as negotiation over legislation continues:

o Oil money is being distributed to the Iraq people even though the proposed oil law is still being negotiated, with $2.116 billion in oil money allocated for FY07 and $848 million obliged.

o The government of Iraq has contacted thousands of members of the former Iraqi army and offered them retirement, return to the military, or public sector employment.

· FACT: Our commanders report that Iraqi Security Forces are growing in number, becoming more capable, and assuming more responsibility. Currently there are about 140 Iraqi Army, National Police, and Special Operations Forces battalions in the fight, with about 95 capable of taking the lead in operations. As Gen. Petraeus said: "The Iraqi army has, in general, done quite well in the face of some really serious challenges. In certain areas it really is very heartening to see what it has done."