Iraq in control of Green Zone

Iraq took control of the 'Green Zone' in Baghdad from the USA on 1 January 2009. Britain also turned over the airport in Basra. It is a significant step in this long journey, one that would have been "considered a dream" a year a go.

While I will concede that the Democratic congress likely put some pressure on the situation, it is very important to note that this happened all within Bush's presidency. Obama is likely going to get much credit for bringing the troops home in 2012, the current withdrawal date, but it is Bush and the Surge that are to be credited for the situation being what it is in Iraq. The transfer of responsibility and authority can only occur because the security situation is so much better. Iraq boasted a November murder rate of "less than 1 per 100,000 - far lower than many cities in the world." And, of course, the safety of our own troops has increased dramatically. 2008 saw a 67% decline in troop casualties: 314 for 2008 vs 904 for 2007 - according to the AP.

One final note. Transfer of the Green Zone was a dream a year ago, which shows how quickly fortunes can change. While victory is in sight, we must not think the victory is complete and destroy the gains we have made.