We keep being told that most of Iraq is stable, that Baghdad is the main problem. Pertinent to that I read an eyeopening article in the current Newsweek by Fareed Zakaria. (The editor of Newsweek International, overseeing all Newsweek's editions abroad.)

In an article titled 'Losing the War, as well as the Battle', he says, quote:

Now look at the "safe" areas. The south of the country, which the administration claims is stable, is run by fanatical religious parties, militias and street gangs, most of whom impose Iranian-style restrictions on people's rights and liberties. For minorities (like Christians) and for women the new Iraq has been one of persecution and punishment. In many Sunni areas of the country, a Taliban-style puritanism is being enforced. Amid the chaos, the groups that can provide security tend to be the most thuggish and extreme in their political views.

Unquote

It is amazing to me that these are the areas that the administration lauds.