Finally!!! Iraq Death Count Going Down

Article from http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/10/30/iraq.main/index.html

October has been the best month fro troops since March 2006 when 31 Americans died. So far in October 37 Americans have died. Military officials don't want to declare victory just yet, fearing it could get worse again. But wait, didn't we already declare "Mission Accomplished"? Also good news is that the Iraqi civilian death count has gone from 1,990 in the beginning of the year to 844 now. Sectarian violence and battles with insurgents has gone down steadily since the war started in March 2003. Generals haven't declared this a turning point in the war, they are waiting for Iraqi officials to create a more politically stable government. Also declining is the number of roadside bombs, attacks, car bombs, and terrorist actions against the new Iraqi Security Force. Key factors for this great news have been credited to the 30,000 U.S. troop surge, the cease fire of a Shiite militia, and progress in fighting the Sunni led al-Qaeda. Iraqi's including Sunnis are seeing that al Qaeda is not the right group and are begging to reject them in tribal regions where they thrive. Also starting to step up is the Iraqi Security Force, they are forgetting old hatreds and are working together to better both of theirs' country. Economic improvement for both Shiite and Sunni neighborhoods have led to a better quality of life and more support for new government.

I think we need to give our hats off to the Iraqis. They are starting as a whole to come together and make progress in their country. They are putting aside differences and starting to make real progress. Also it seems President Bush's troop surge seem to have paid off. But I won't be convinced of a calming down of violence in Iraq until a few more months of low casualties have taken place.

No Gas for Gaza

Article from http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/10/28/israel.gaza/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

In order to prevent rocket attacks from Hamas militants the Israeli Government is restricting oil shipments to Gaza. The Palestinian human rights group fears this will create a humanitarian crisis and is appealing the decision to the Israeli Supreme Court. The power plant in Gaza runs on fuel so eventually they will run out and there will be no power in Gaza. The Israelis promise it won't turn into a humanitarian crisis by still supplying hospital's and other crucial places with fuel. Hopefully this action will stop rocket attacks at Israel. The United Nations didn't like Israel's decision and doesn't think sanctions are necessary on Palestine. Some Palestinians are already living on emergency food rations and fear is that this will make their situation worse.

I think even with the possible humanitarian crisis Israel is doing the right thing as long as they provide enough of the basic necessities. Israel's #1 priority should be its people and right now their life is in danger from extremist in Gaza. They have violated Israel's sovereignty and Israel has the right to defend itself. If Palestine doesn't want a crisis of its people they need to learn how to control them first. The UN needs to also realize that Israel is protecting itself and needs to support Israel. A peacekeeping force in Gaza would be a very good solution to everyone's problem.

Back in Pakistan

Article from http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/10/18/pakistan.bhutto/index.html#cnnSTCText

The ex-Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto made her return to Pakistan last week after leaving in self imposed exile for eight years. Huge crowds of people greeted her when she arrived. She vows to return to power and restore democracy to Pakistan and remove its image as a safe zone for terrorists. This is great news for the U.S. and our search for Bin Laden. The current leader isn't doing enough in the tribal regions where he is most likely hiding. He also hasn't allowed our troops to enter Pakistan. I think Bhutto will be very helpful in the fight against terrorism in that region. The people seem to love her and she seems to be Pro-America. Bhutto is planning on running for re-election or accepting a power-sharing deal with current President Musharraf. Musharraf is suffering from approval ratings almost as good as Bush's and a deal with Bhutto would allow him to stay in power. The USA for now continues to support Musharraf but I think only because he is in power for now and we need his help fighting terrorist. However the U.S. and Bhutto are criticizing him for his handling of the tribal regions of Pakistan where al-Quida still thrives. Bhutto would do a much better job in Pakistan than Musharraf, she is a woman leading an Islamic country, which in itself is a major step in closing the gap between Western Nations and Islamic, and she is Pro-Democratic. Setting up a democracy in the Middle East also makes the West seem less far away to them so extremist won't grow in those nations to hate the West if they are more like us.