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: