15 of 18 Benchmarks Have Now Been Met in Iraq
Iraqi children pose for the camera with 1st Sgt. Robert W. Breeden from Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, during a patrol through Northern Ramadi, Iraq. The patrols, performed with Iraqi Police, maintain security and assess the condition of the area. (Photo by Cpl. Jeremy Giacomino MNF-Iraq)
It’s Never Been About Winning In Iraq For Democrats–
The original Iraq benchmark reporting was not required beyond the September 2007 deadline. But, hoping to score points against Bush and Republicans, Democrats asked for an update on those benchmarks last month.
Sadly, for a party that has invested so much in defeat, this time the “gotcha” game backfired on Democrats.
Phenomenal Success In Iraq–
15 of 18 benchmarks have been met in Iraq.
The Washington Post gives more background on the Iraq benchmarks:
Iraq has met all but three of 18 original benchmarks set by Congress last year to measure security, political and economic progress, according to a report by the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad…
The embassy judged that the only remaining shortfalls were the Baghdad government’s failure to enact and implement laws governing the oil industry and the disarmament of militia and insurgent groups, and continuing problems with the professionalism of the Iraqi police. All other goals — including preparations for upcoming elections, reform of de-Baathification and disarmament laws, progress on enacting and spending Iraq’s budget, and the capabilities of the Iraqi army — were rated “satisfactory.”
Congress drew up the list of 18 benchmarks early last year, based on pledges by the administration and Baghdad, and passed legislation requiring progress reports. In congressional testimony last September, Gen. David H. Petraeus, the U.S. commander in Iraq, and Ryan C. Crocker, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, told lawmakers that about half the goals had been met.
The original legislation required no reports beyond the September testimony. More recently, the White House has maintained that the benchmarks are no longer a useful measurement of Iraq’s progress. But the embassy prepared the new assessment in response to a request by Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-N.C.) to update the benchmarks.
Upon hearing this news, Democrats insisted that “solid progress” would have been made if the US had retreated in defeat.
Yeah right.
Previously:
Ruh-Roh… Iraq Reaches 15 of 18 Benchmarks…
UPDATE: Power Line has more on the evidence of political progress in Iraq.
