September Report on Progress on the War in Iraq

The September report on how well or how weakly the USA is doing its job in Iraq is a hot topic for the whole country. Some have reported that the surge of troops has quelled violence, while some say there is no noticeable benefit. The surge elevated the troop numbers to aound 152,000 souls.

This important report on the American progress in Iraq will tell the establishment and the public what actually happens when you send more troops into a conflict such as this one. At least, that is what some believe.

CNN has reported that this report will not be trusted by the majority of Americans. How the report is worded will be a major factor in determing how it is received. If it is about political advances of the Iraqi government, it is less likely to be believed.

If instead it is about military advances, it will more likely be accepted. A old report from 2006 had already stated that a group called the "Iraq study group" had concluded that Washington was already moving away from a victory position to a cut-our-losses position.

This upcoming report will either strengthen or weaken what the President has called a cut and run type of policy. Ambassador Crocker has stated that benchmarks used in the past to quantify whether a war was being waged with success can not be used with this war. General Petraeus has stated that that military action is not sufficient to end the violence altogether. He also says military action is necessary. A objective report is sorely needed.

While security is said to be increasing, the death toll mounts day by day. Victories are punctuated with defeats for the Americans. Iran has claimed it will fill the power gap when coalition forces leave. It remains to be seen just what Iran means by that.

After the report on progress on the war in Iraq is finished, the President will give his own report. The General Accounting Office is also producing its report. This particular report delivers a negative outlook of the political progress in Iraq.

Ambassador Ryan Crocker and General David Petraeus are expected to testify to Congress in the first half of September. The report has rumors circulating that say it will not be written by these men, but instead by the White House. Wherever it comes from, the report will certainly have the center of attention of the government, general public, and the military, since it either makes or breaks the current surge type strategy that has been put into place.

General Petraeus has stated that he knows the surge has topped out already, and is making plans to "hold the fort" when a troop reduction does take place. President Bush has stated he will not back off from the war in Iraq while he is in office. His term lasts for around another sixteen months. This report, and that time-table are important factors both for Iraq, and the United States. This war has been ongoing for around four years. May peace prevail on both sides.