I am glad Ron is so easily amused.

Something else for him to lamely try to discredit and spin his way:

Outside View: Iraqi Compromise Plan
By Marianna Belenkaya May 16, 2007

"...Indicative in this respect is an article by Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari published by The Washington Post on May 4. The title of the article addressed to the world community, above all the Americans and the Brits, speaks for itself: "Don't Abandon Us." The gist of the article is that despite the difficult situation, life in Iraq is turning back to normal in all spheres -- from security to the economy.

The minister admits that "small but significant snippets of normality are overshadowed by acts of gross violence, which fuel the opinion of some that Iraq is in downward spiral" and that some claim that the war "is all but lost." But he goes on to say that the situation is improving, albeit slowly, and appeals to the world to remain engaged in Iraq so as to help it preserve its achievements.

By asking the world not to "abandon" Iraq, Zebari primarily objects to a multinational troop withdrawal, although he also seeks economic and political support for Iraq by the West and neighboring countries.

It is difficult to say whether Zebari has painted a true picture of Iraqi achievements. Only the Iraqis themselves can judge it. Their testimonies in the world media do not sound so optimistic. But the foreign minister is right -- Iraq needs international support. A foreign troop withdrawal should match the interests of the Iraqi people and enhance world security. It should not be tailored to suit British or American voters or promote political ambitions.

There is no doubt that Iraqis themselves have different views on the foreign military presence in their country. The world community understands that the mandate of the multinational force in Iraq cannot be extended forever. But how to prevent a pullout from turning into flight, which would unleash terror in Iraq?..."

http://www.postchronicle.com/news/security/article_21281015.shtml