Out of the Cities

Probably the most important event to occur during my time here in Iraq has been and will be the pull-back of U.S. combat forces from Iraqi urban areas on 30 June. This day placed a marker in history of when the Iraqi people took over the security of their country.

It was a day of celebration for Iraqis as they took one giant leap in their maturity as a sovereign nation. It was also a day of pride for American troops as they beheld a transition that could not have been possible without their service and sacrifice.

Unfortunately, some Iraqis chose the day as an opportunity to lash out at America's "occupation" in Iraq. To a casual observer, this is an insult - a slap in the face - to the American forces here. However, it is one more condition that proves that the Iraqis are free to speak their minds, unlike under Saddam Hussein, and that they are fully engaging in the democratic process set up by the efforts of America's finest.

Let me explain - in January 2010 Iraqis will go to the polls and vote for their national representatives. America-bashing is playing to some constituencies in Iraq. It is actually a good sign that political leaders in Iraq are choosing to wield influence through a democratic process rather than through violence.

As for the violence, the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) are doing their jobs. They are being tested, but that was expected. But even with this testing, the level of violence being seen here is the lowest since 2003. Here's hoping and praying that the ISF, with the training, advice and assistance provided by American forces, will be able to continue to provide the conditions necessary for Iraq to progress to a stable and secure nation.