The front page of the Washington Post today declared the War in Iraq over. Who’d a thunk it, huh? Not even two months after the presidential election the media is finally discovers that Baghdad is safer than some American cities. You have to read this to believe it.
The War, in a Sense, Is Over. But a New Struggle Begins As Citizens Ask the Inevitable Question: What Next?
BAGHDAD Maybe it was the only shot heard for days in a neighborhood once ordered by the cadence of gunfire. Perhaps it was the smiles at checkpoints and the shouts of Iraqi policemen navigating the always snarled traffic. “God’s mercy on your parents,” they beseeched. “God’s blessings on you.” Maybe it was the music box still playing “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” at a kiosk overflowing with Christmas tree decorations and heart-shaped red pillows.
For anyone returning to Baghdad after spending time here during its darkest days two years ago, when it was paralyzed by sectarian hatred and overrun by gunmen sowing despair, the conclusion seemed inescapable.
“The war has ended,” said Heidar al-Abboudi, a street merchant.
The war in Iraq is indeed over, at least the conflict as it was understood during its first five years: insurgency, communal cleansing, gangland turf battles and an anarchic, often futile quest to survive.
Wow! Who could’ve seen that one coming, huh? Until November 4th, it was a quagmire, wasn’t it? From quagmire to victory in a month and a half. My goodness, the magic of Obama has even made the war go away. While our glorious president-elect is working on his glutes and pecs, the Iraqis have decided to stop the war and love America again.
