We are making progress in Iraq

[Psycho4Bud]

While the media offers mostly images of violence, and many Americans have grown weary of the war in Iraq, I bring hopeful news to Washington this week as I meet with the administration and members of Congress.

Since 2003, we have built the Kurdistan Region as a model for democracy and a gateway for development for all of Iraq. We are willing partners in this transition toward an Iraqi government that is representative of all its people. Through our peshmerga forces, we provide some of the most effective units against al Qaeda and other terrorist groups. We Kurds are committed to a federal, democratic Iraq at peace within its borders and with its neighbours.

We are working with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and the Iraqi leadership in Baghdad on the difficult issues facing our country. Our relationship with Iraq's federal government has never been better. And progress is being made on an oil law, the status of disputed territories, the proper role for Iraq's neighbours to play, and on relations between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Turkey.

First, the oil law. We will now start negotiations using a draft drawn up in February of 2007. We'll also establish a process to send the national oil law, the revenue sharing law, and the laws concerning the Iraqi National Oil Company and the Oil Ministry in Baghdad to parliament as one package â?? to be voted up or down.

New oil contracts will be approved based on agreed-upon guidelines. The oil exploration contracts the KRG has already signed won't present a problem, because they were negotiated based on the highest standards of transparency.

There is also progress in settling the status of Kirkuk and other disputed territories. Previous Iraqi regimes expelled Kurds, Turkmen and Christians from Kirkuk, and gerrymandered provincial borders to change its demography. Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution establishes a legal process to remedy this injustice. We are encouraged that the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary General is helping to develop a proposal regarding the implementation of Article 140.

As we resolve internal issues, we also understand the importance of a peaceful relationship with all our neighbours, based on mutual respect and noninterference in internal affairs.

To that end, we will continue reassuring our neighbours that a federal Iraq is not a threat. But we will also continue to encourage our neighbours to do what they can to stop terrorists from infiltrating Iraq.

We think it is imperative that Middle Eastern states send their diplomatic representatives to Iraq, and for these states to proactively prevent terrorists from slipping across their borders. Unprovoked and recurring bombardment of the Kurdistan Region by Turkey and Iran must stop.

There has also been a historic step forward in KRG-Turkish relations. On May 1, I represented my government in the first high-level, official bilateral meeting with Turkey. Held in Baghdad, the meeting was conducted in a cordial atmosphere, and both sides stressed similar views on a wide range of issues. We reiterated to our Turkish colleagues our commitment to good neighbourly relations, which is underscored by the growing Turkish investment in the Kurdistan Region. Our talks also focused on the need for practical steps and continued dialogue on all outstanding issues, including the problem of the PKK.

We Kurds understand and share America's frustration with the pace of political progress in Iraq. We are doing all we can to create security, stability and prosperity. While progress has not come fast enough, Iraq remains a worthy cause.

As Americans debate the future of the US role in Iraq, allow me to say that America's mission remains vital to the stability and security of our region. A precipitous withdrawal of US forces could be calamitous. We welcome a US presence in the Kurdistan Region as part of any redeployment of forces.

The Kurdish people of Iraq suffered under Saddam Hussein. And we fought and died alongside Americans to liberate our country. There is no ambiguity about the depth of gratitude that Kurds feel for America's sacrifices in Iraq. Americans who have been killed or wounded in Iraq are heroes to me and to all of Iraq's Kurds. We will never forget what you have done for us.

Mr Barzani is prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq.
Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)

Great article in my book. I've also seen that violence in Iraq is down by 70%. At this pace it will be hard for the Dems to talk of Iraq due to their past stances on "quagmire" and "civil war".

Have a good one!:s4:

Psycho4Bud Reviewed by Psycho4Bud on 05-23-2008. We are making progress in Iraq While the media offers mostly images of violence, and many Americans have grown weary of the war in Iraq, I bring hopeful news to Washington this week as I meet with the administration and members of Congress. Since 2003, we have built the Kurdistan Region as a model for democracy and a gateway for development for all of Iraq. We are willing partners in this transition toward an Iraqi government that is representative of all its people. Through our peshmerga forces, we provide some of the Rating: 5

[killerweed420]

Can't disagree that progress has been made, which is good. But at what cost and how long till the islamists totally infiltrate the Iraqi government again? We already know they hold some key positions in the government.

[swice1]

progress made now onto iran!

[killerweed420]

I also wonder if the progress in Iraq isn't more a factor of al qaeda pulling in its horns and waiting for our election. They know that when the dems win they are going to be left alone more so they may be just waiting.

[fishman3811]

LOL P4B you should be the press secretary for the president.I guess all the Iraqs who have fled their country will be coming back in droves.Next thing you know the president will be landing on an aircraft carrier proclaiming mission acclomplished AGAIN......

[Psycho4Bud]

"press secretary for the president" Psycho4bud now makes an important announcement:

Since G.W. pulled his head out of his ass and listened to people on the same brain wave as J. McCain that know how to handle a military situation....we have made GREAT progress in Iraq by crushing Al-Quada and taming down the sectarian violence. Thank you for your time and as always......

Have a good one!:s4:

[killerweed420]

"press secretary for the president" Psycho4bud now makes an important announcement:

Since G.W. pulled his head out of his ass and listened to people on the same brain wave as J. McCain that know how to handle a military situation....we have made GREAT progress in Iraq by crushing Al-Quada and taming down the sectarian violence. Thank you for your time and as always......

Have a good one!:s4:

Yeah but have we crushed al quaeda or are they just laying low till after the election when the dems are in power?

[fishman3811]

I think peace in Iraq is a long ways off whether or not America can pull it of is another story.

[DaBudhaStank]

I don't know why people still believe in peace; it boggles my mind. Peace works on very, VERY small levels, that's it. There will never EVER be peace in Iraq, let alone anywhere in the world. If anyone thinks otherwise, you're too naive to still be left alive.

[Psycho4Bud]

The U.S. ambassador to Iraq said Saturday that al-Qaida's network in the country has never been closer to defeat, and he praised Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for his moves to rein in Shiite and Sunni militant groups.

Ryan Crocker's comments came as Iraqi forces have been conducting crackdowns on al-Qaida militants in the northern city of Mosul and on Shiite militiamen in the southern city of Basra. Thousands of Iraqi forces also moved into the Shiite militia stronghold of Sadr City in Baghdad last week imposing control for the first time in years.
US ambassador: Al-Qaida close to defeat in Iraq - Yahoo! News

It still may not be roses and sunshine but anyone would have to admit that it's a hell of alot better than a year ago. Once again at this rate, "some people" may look a bit foolish in November.

Have a good one!:s4: