The Iraqis have become invested in their nationhood.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
While it may take generations of nurturing, nations founded on and grounded in freedom will eventually overcome and prosper. Once free, folks rarely accept anything less, and that includes Iraqis.
It's not just Iraq - it's the Atlantic partnership which is at stake.
Iraqis have held elections and have recently put together their government, all encouraging developments.
Almost all Iraqis with any previous experience in the intelligence business are Sunni Arab, increasing the risk of penetration of the new intelligence apparatus by the insurgency.
Iraq is a manufactured conflict for the sake of geopolitical dominance in the area.
Iraq can emerge as a beacon of hope and democracy in the Middle East, and the world, with our help.
If you look beyond the short term violence and instability, you do see significant activities on the part of the Iraqi people that indicate they understand the commitment necessary to govern themselves. It's not clear how they will do it, but it never is.
The advent of self-government for the Iraqi people is a watershed moment in their history.
It's what the Iraqi people are going through right now. They have encountered a victorious, hostile force-but, you know, there they still are. There their culture is, there their history is, they're not going anywhere.
The Iraqi people are living a long-running tragedy because of the legacy of the old regime, the Americans and their actions that are unsuitable for Iraqi society, and the weakness of national resolve.