Beyond the good news close to home…

…there's the ugly truth across the sea. Gilliard's take rings true…

The resistance can kill almost anyone, anytime anywhere. They control the highways and make the ride from the airport to the Green Zone the most dangerous on earth. It is safer to drive around the Colombian coca region than it is to drive around Iraq. The government is non-functioning, with the Kurds disappearing anyone they choose, and Shia leaders split between SCIRI and Sadr. So there is no "emboldening" possible. There is no day in which the US could prevent Sadr and 100,000 friends from marching into said Green Zone and declaring a provisional government. If Sistani gave the high sign, it would be done.

Anyone remember a Republican President promising 'peace with honor'? How'd that work out, anyway?

It's time to call saving as many American lives as possible success so we can start bringing the troops home now.