U.S. commander points to progress in parts of Iraq - Yea, all is calm in the desert

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/06/07/petraeus.iraq/

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- A new approach by American-led forces in Iraq is producing "breathtaking" improvements in security in some areas, says Gen. David Petraeus, commander of U.S. forces in the country, but al Qaeda in Iraq remains well-entrenched in some Baghdad neighborhoods.

In an exclusive interview with CNN, Petraeus said the situation in Anbar, the restive Sunni province west of the Iraqi capital, has been "truly transformed in recent months, as the Anbaris and the tribes have decided to oppose al Qaeda and fight with the coalition forces against them."

"What's taken place in Anbar is almost breathtaking," he said. "In the last several months, tribes that turned a blind eye to what al Qaeda was doing in that province are now opposing al Qaeda very vigorously. And the level of violence in Anbar has plummeted; although there clearly is still work to be done. (Watch a CNN exclusive interview with Petraeus as he discusses Iraq )

"Our strategy has always been with this new approach to determine who are the reconcilables and to separate them from the irreconcilables, the extremists," he said. (Watch how some Iraqi insurgents are turning on al Qaeda in Iraq militants)

But the picture is not consistent, Petraeus said, and the increase in U.S. forces had been more effective in some areas than others.

[whistle]

1. Is it safe to surf in the waters of the desert?

<from Apocalypse Now-1979>

Kilgore: You either surf or you fight.

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Willard: Are you crazy God damnit? Don't you think its a little risky for some R&R?
Kilgore: If I say its safe to surf this beach Captain, then its safe to surf this beach. I mean I'm not afraid to surf this place, I'll surf this whole fucking place!
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Kilgore: Charlie don't surf!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078788/quotes

[leftchick]

2. more likely a LOT of rage and tears....

An Iraqi woman weeps as she and her baby sit amid the mess left behind at her house following a raid by US and Iraqi forces in Baghdad's al-Orfali Shiite district. At least 19 people were killed in bomb attacks on Iraqi security forces on Thursday, nine of them in the suicide truck bombing of a police station near the Syrian border in the northwest of the country.(AFP/Wissam al-Okaili)



An Iraqi woman looks on as the US soldiers from the 1st Battalion 28th Infantry Regiment, Delta Company enter her home during a random check on houses in the southwestern Bayaa neighbourhood of Baghdad. At least 19 people were killed in bomb attacks on Iraqi security forces on Thursday, nine of them in the suicide truck bombing of a police station near the Syrian border in the northwest of the country.(AFP/Roslan Rahman)