Iraq Starts to Fix Itself

The Economist | June 17, 2008

Albeit reversible, the situation is improving in Iraq as the government gains confidence and increasingly asserts its independence from the US and Iran. ++ Despite the lack of jobs, clean water, and electricity, Iraqis are benefiting from high oil prices and can hope for a normal future. ++ Both plans for precipitated withdrawal and remaining indefinitely are foolish. ++ Swift diplomacy is now needed to safeguard the fragile improvements. ++ Candidates should keep their options open, "the key for America must be flexibility."