The Good News In Iraq

Monday brought the 30th installment of "The Good News in Iraq," which leftists should read, and then perhaps consider reading the other 29 as well. Along in the way in this extensive update, Chrenkoff notes these positive words from a certain politician.

Today I am traveling to Brussels to join representatives of more than 80 governments and institutions in sending a loud and clear message of support for the political transition in Iraq.

A year ago, in Resolution 1546, the U.N. Security Council set out the timetable that Iraq, with the assistance of the United Nations and the international community, was expected to fulfill. The Brussels conference is a chance to reassure the Iraqi people that the international community stands with them in their brave efforts to rebuild their country, and that we recognize how much progress has been made in the face of daunting challenges...

As the process moves forward, there will no doubt be frustrating delays and difficult setbacks. But let us not lose sight of the fact that all over Iraq today, Iraqis are debating nearly every aspect of their political future...

In a media-hungry age, visibility is often regarded as proof of success. But this does not necessarily hold true in Iraq. Even when, as with last week's agreement, the results of our efforts are easily seen by all, the efforts themselves must be undertaken quietly and away from the cameras.

That's Kofi Annan for you, just another Bush-monkey lapdog.

It is humurous to note, judging by these passages at least, that Annan appears under the impression that all of this "progress" in Iraq came at the hands of his precious institution, and was not driven by an American led coalition. In fact, in a quick persusal of the entire column, there appears to be no mention of the U.S. at all.

God Bless the U.N. then, for coming to the rescue of Iraq. We don't know how you guys did it, but you have transformed an entire nation and brought freedom and democracy to millions.

Despite Annan's selective memory, I'll take his words of support for what they are, an endorsement of the results, and note my thanks for that endorsement.

Here are some more tidbits from Chrenkoff's latest offering:

Iraq will begin restoring full diplomatic relations with Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, officials said Wednesday -- ending more than a decade of frozen ties with its Arab neighbors...

a compromise has been reached about the participation of members of the Sunni community in the constitutional process: Under the deal, 15 Sunni Arabs would join two members of the minority already on the committee. Another 10 Sunni Arabs would join, but only in an advisory capacity...

In a statement, Sheikh Abu Manar Al Alami, president of the Council for Islamic Call and Guidance for the Salafi trend, called the Arab fighters to refrain from the martyr attacks. He confirmed the nullity of the religious opinions of Jihad in Iraq, which have been launched by some Salafi clergymen in Saudi Arabia.

The European Union's latest program will contribute €10million ($12 million) "to continue supporting the political process, the development of civil society and respect of human rights.

Business is booming for the wedding DJ in the Iraqi capital.

A radio station focusing on women's issues has hit the airwaves in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. Topics under discussion include the importance of women's rights and the new constitution, the forthcoming general election, childhood needs and family problems.

One Iraqi blogger told VOA "It offers you an opportunity to communicate with people. There are no censors." Another said "The right of the people to express their discontent is great! That is freedom that wasn't available before." A third commented "This is a great opportunity to be like the bridge between two cultures."

Saddam left Iraq with a mind-boggling debt of $125 billion. Now, Iraq is negotiating debt reduction or forgiveness with the whole range of state and commercial entities. The latest agreement to be signed is with Canada, which has agreed to write off 80 per cent, or $470 million of Iraqi debt. Every little bit helps, and little Slovakia will also forgive Iraq its debt amounting to Sk35.2 million ($10.8 million)

The government has earmarked $46 million for the building of a new hospital and two housing complexes in Falluaj, according to Hamed Jeyad, the engineer in charge of the city’s reconstruction.The 200-bed hospital will be supplied “with the state-of-the-art health facilities,” said Jeyad.

After almost 20 years of sporadic flying and finally being grounded, the first Iraqi Airways flight landed at Basrah International Airport June 4 with the help of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region South.

Iraqi laborers and General Electric employees recently completed eight months of work on a power plant project which will bring additional electricity to Baghdad.

With more than $270M worth of projects open for local contractor bids, 130 Iraqi women attended a Women’s Business Day at the Convention Center here to learn more.

Believe me, this is just the tip of a massive iceberg. What is really astounding is how women are really trying to become an active force in the business commuinity. If anybody has taken what was offered and run with it in Iraq, it has been the women, who are taking full advantage of the opportunities offered.

Chrenkoff's piece is one of the longer ones in recent memory and details much of the progress in Iraq. It's heartening to see how many foreign countires are getting on board with venture capital and assistance in rebuilding infrastructure.

After reading the entire piece, if one still agrees with Ted Kennedy's assessment that Iraq is a quagmire and an abject failure, I feel sorry for them. They have little to no grasp of reality and no respect for one of the greatest human rights endeavors undertaken in modern times.