The Washington Post comments on Iraqi progress toward political reconciliation, and notes that the recently-passed de-baathification law may create some problems while solving others. Nevertheless, the editors argue that the U.S. should not withdraw precipitously:
Limited and over-promoted as it was, the vote on the Baath Party legislation also provided a contrast to developments in Iraq a year ago, when a full-scale civil war between Sunnis and Shiites appeared to be unstoppable. To a large extent, the sectarian violence has subsided; most of the killings occurring now stem from the attempt of a reeling al-Qaeda to reassert itself. The worst mistake the United States could make would be to allow its frustration with Iraqi political leaders to cause it to abandon the military strategy that has delivered that progress. As long as Baghdad neighborhoods are continuing to recover, refugees are trickling home, and Sunni and Shiite militias are helping to keep the peace rather than hunting each other, the U.S. mission in Iraq will be serving a vital purpose.
How significant is the progress against al Qaeda in Iraq? This map (posted by our colleague Bill Roggio) is stunning. It shows the gains from the surge, particularly in comparison to a map showing AQI’s influence a year ago.
