It is interesting to note where the <em>have your say</em> readership springs...

Thank you for revealing a perspective most big media papers in the USA are afraid to admit. Bush may have led us into the right thing in the wrong or long way, but I am keeping my hope for independent, sectarian, tolerant democracies in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Good things have been ultimately accomplished in far more unsavory ways. History remembers success; with time we can only hope that the means of actualizing it improves.

Bill , San Antonio, USA/TX

I didn't choose to be born free - that was luck. I HAVE chosen to live free - so I can either depend on the enlightened elite to secure my freedom - those brilliant souls who cannot draw a logical conclusion between the many terrorist attacks throughout the world and a misrepresentative media, or I can continue service in the military. I choose the latter. I am thankful our forefathers had the foresight to establish a representative government and not allow the ignorant masses to control my destiny. AL

Al Fracker, Atlanta, GA,

As you must know, most media outlets in the US would rather take up honest work than write something positive about the Bush administration. It appears that Bush would not try to mend fences even if that were possible.

This nonsense has created serious problems for those of us who would like to see things end well in that part of the world, and it is creating problems with our economy in that, irrespective of what the economic indicators indicate, the media generally give it a negative spin.

As a result, this country is having a great deal more difficulty than is warranted; the so-called mainstream media has lost a great deal of credibility; and we're all the worse off for it.

Charles/USA

Charles, Harrisburg, USA/PA

Of course this is good news for the pople of Iraq and coalition armed forces members - but may be terrible for the rest of us. Why? Bush and his cohort of bumbling bunglers may conclude that Iraq is "fixed" (let's forget about Afghanistan) and consequently there is now the opportunity to "fix" Iran.

Steve007 of Missouri - there is much more to "IF" than the words you quoted:

"If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;......."

Let's hope that Bush just dreams and leaves it at that. Even more importantly, let's hope he actually does think things through for a change before we are treated to another "Mission Accomplished"

Iain Percival, The Hague, The Netherlands

Here in the states the main stream media just falls silent when there is no bad news to report from this conflict.

Most have short memories when it comes to Iraq and the reasons for taking military action there. Since the end of hostilities in 1991, with coalition forces, just about all the agreements made with the Iraqi admin were reneged upon. Regular firing on British and American aircraft enforcing no fly zones to protect the Kurds and other sects from Iraqi forces, the mass murder of those in opposition to Hussien left exposed by the rapid pull out of coalition forces, the holding at gun point of UN weapons inspectors at the Baghdad hotel for two weeks before being expelled when the Iraqis could no longer hide their program's with a shell game, (this fact alone should have led the brits and americans back their immediately), a game which Hussien was very good at, and all other manner of human atrocities. All of these facts were enough to return, too bad so many forget.

Dale, sunland, CA, USA

Another Mission Accomplished Banner.....I simply don't trust these reports any longer. This administration and the lock step journalists (as above) have no credibility remaining. Absolutely shameless to claim victory after the cost, chaos, death, deconstruction of our military, contractor fraud, our strengthening of Iran, our neglect of domestic issues and infrastructure and the destruction of our world standing.

Had Enough, Livingston, MT

Well, if things are going so well in Iraq, if there is serious success and if normal night life is back in Baghdad, if peace is back in Iraq and al-Qaeda so weak, and if Iraq is about to become an economic success story thanks to the high price of oil, surely withdrawing all troops (to send them to Aghanistan, for instance, where al-Qaeda is still strong) should not be such a big deal?

Matt, London, UK

Thank you for reporting the story on Iraq that our liberal press will not touch.

Robert , Miramar, Fl.

It's ironic that , in the printed version of "The Times", the page preceding your excellent leader contained another anti-American article from Matthew Parris.
Some of us recall his scornful and arrogant claim, shortly after the invasion of Iraq, that the coalition forces were going "to make a bolt for it". Those of us who supported the invasion knew then, as we know now, that only defeatists take that sort of action.
Congratulations to the coalition forces and to their political leaders for sticking to the task in the face of relentless attacks from all sides.

arnoldo, Coventry,

What a pleasant surprise. I must say, after having read so much anti-American venom and vituperation in British news sources over the years, that an honest and unbiased look at actual success in Iraq, as this Times article, is unusually refreshing.

It is rare indeed to find such examples of unbiased journalistic ethics in American media, I assure you.

Thank You

Kenneth Johnson, Sand Point, USA, Alaska

Our American media is an embarrasment. I apologize to the rest of the world for it's obvious bias and disdain for it's own home. They truly are a sorry lot.
Thank you Times for this refreshing story about the success of your troops and ours in this difficult region. I just hope we can win the war at home against these MSM fools before the blood starts running in our streets.

Greg Gempler, Boise, Idaho, USA

I have yet to see these ideas put into better written form.

Thanks

Steve Cooney, Larchmont, NY

The deafening silence of the Arab media regarding the success of the 'Surge' is most revealing. The US military is succeeding beyond all expectations and America's enemies can't deal with it. On to Tehran!

Mike Patrick, Minneapolis, Minnesota

I am one who was disgusted with how Bush and Rumsfeld dealth with the war, but a supporter that a large US presence needs to be based in Iraq for Years to come as in Germany and Japan. As someone who grew up under US occupation in Taiwan and Japan, a long-term US presence is needed to create stability. Destroyed, defeated countries can focus their energy on developing their country instead of spending billions on building a military. Japan, Germany and soon Iraq fit this bill.

John Hsu, Arcadia, CA, USA

I agree that the change in tactics and the increase in forces has turned the tide. Whew!

Now I'm watching for information on the millions of refugees that are loose in the region. Does anyone have any news about them? In particular, has the ebb turned to a flow back to their homes?

Larry, Los Altos, Ca

Grateful to Dubya and the gang? That would be like praising an arsonist who finally puts out his own fire. Things are indeed going better - but don't you think all this good news comes a little late for thousands of injured American soldiers, hundreds of thousands of slaughtered Iraqis and millions of refugees, including half of Iraq's Christian population? This war was supposed to be over 4 years ago and should never have happened in the first place. Any celebrations now should have a sombre tone.

Peter Barker, Gander, Canada

Responsible United States Citizens do not "hate" their fellow Americans of the Left Political Tendency. We despise them for the power-grasping, corrupt scoundrels that they have chosen to become. The Left, bouyed up by an economic storm, will elect Senator Clinton to the Office Of President next year, and she will repatriate the United States Armed Forces now stabilizing the Middle East. Events will compel her to invade the Region, probably via Syyria, once again at a substantial cost in casualties, both military and civilian. Her single term in Office my well destroy the now degenerate Democrat Party, and America will realign the Political Tendencies that choose our Public Officials. (Our Masters or our Servants? You decide.) President Clinton II will not be gentle with the Arabs after they turn on her, but she will develop a "strange new respect" for former President Lyndon Johnson, in whose catergory she will be classified, probably forever.

Claude Bogardus, Cartersville, Georgia, USA

I'm surprised to hear this truth from the London Times, while the London Telegraph is late in swinging around. Yes, we are now winning the war, and the Democrats here were very stupid to give aid and comfort to the enemy. They will get their reward exactly one year from now. The liberal media is already suffering for its non-support of the armed forces in time of war, and will never rise again to its former power.

Larry Hughes, Calhoun County, Michigan

The Liberal socialists in our congress (democrats) have allied themselves with terrorists in order to score political points at home. Beating on bush, the soldiers, and America herself and betting the farm on an Iraq without hope, they find themselves in a strange position: Keep giving aid and comfort to the enemy, or embrace the good news, and hope for a (now fast-approaching) victory in iraq and a safe return for the soldiers.

O who am I kidding? These are democrats we're talking about, they'll never ally themselves with America. Lol.

John, Cleveland, USA

Let's see we started out with 21 million pre-war Iraqis. 2 to 4 million have fled the country. Another 2 million are refugees inside the country. Many more have relocated to avoid ethnic cleansing.

Approximately 1 million have been killed.

Is it possible that they are just running out of people to kill?

Reduction in killings is good news. But Iraq remains a failed state that is being propped up at the cost of over $1 trillion dollars which has bankrupted the US and collapsed the dollar.

How good would the news have to be to justify this?

Republicans want us to congratulate them on this?

Robb Greathouse, Mountain View, California

Great article. Thanks for an honest point of view.

I agree with the majority of the comments - good news in Iraq is bad news for the Democrats.

Isn't the internet great?!

Tom May, San Antonio, TX

It's sad to see so many Americans going to UK to get their news. But here I am too! I for one thank you, your Country and your brave Soldiers for sticking with us during this crisis. I am delighted to hear continued reports of success in Iraq. It feels the apex has been overcome and things will only get better for everyone. It truly takes the will and courage of the people, but those people must first see our commitment and sacrifice before they will shake hands. It took too long for us to prove to them our commitment due to delays caused by our own radical elements. These self serving "politicians", with the aid of our saddled media, wanted the war to end in tragedy solely to boost their position in the 2008 elections. They aren't much different from our enemy. They created an uncooperative political atmosphere that ultimately has led to even more death and prolonged suffering.

Chad, Catoosa, OK / USA

Give credit to our noble President who had the courage to stand fast, and then double his bet with more troops and a more aggressive strategy to achieve victory. Heck of a guy.. Who else would have had the cold nerve to stand tall in the face of such criticism? OK. Other than Ronald Reagan, I mean..

IF you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,

Steve007, Missouri, USA

I really hope the surge finally works and Iraq makes it. At least then the families of the fallen soldiers and those of the civilians killed can see that they died for something that is partially worth their loss.

The death toll of the civilians and US soldiers especially has been horrendously high. Britain, Australia, Canada, et al have also taken losses and we all want it to be worth something.

I still don't really know why we went to Iraq - probably oil - but what do they say - "hope springs eternal...."

Mark Duffin, Stratford Upon Avon/Shanghai, GB/China

Great article but it seems the point that you have made on taking advantage of the turn of events is lost on those partisan patriots who are too busy cursing out Democrats.

I have been called a lot of names by similar folks with the "love it or leave it" attitude especially when it came to my position on the Iraq war, but at no time have I advocated surrendering/losing or helping the terrorists. I have said and will still say that the road is long and we still have a lot of issues to work through before you can start your "war trials" against those whom you think are traitors.

The Iraqi gov't is still trying to balance their needs/wants with their desire to govern. A civil war is still not out of the question even though it has cooled to vanquish the outsiders (al Qaeda).

The news is good and we can hope for an end soon. Until then, working together to end the US participation in a war zone is more important than tossing childish names and insults at others.

John, Encinitas, CA/USA

"Although the tally of car bombings and improvised explosive devices has fallen back sharply, it would only take one blast directed at an especially large crowd or a holy site of unusual reverence for the headlines about impending civil war to be allowed another outing."

Disagree. The "blame landscape" has changed in Iraq; such a bombing would be attributed correctly to the anti-Iraqi anti-liberationists, and they would have an even harder time of it from the tribes and populace.

Brian H, Vancouver, BC Canada

The good results would not have been possible if the general population didn't experience, first hand, the choice between their "occupiers" who don't want to stay, and Al Qaeda.

If the surge was implemented from the beginning perhaps in the long run it might have been undone with the eventual political and wealth squabbling.

But nonetheless, those who didn't have the stomach, political will, or wisdom to see the Iraq war through should at least now acknowledge the positives or risk their permanent place where those with no credibility whatsoever congregate.

Dino Forza, Simsbury, CT

The Democrats should have no problem admitting they were wrong once again and flipping back to the "stay the course" side, right? Isn't that what being a Democrat is all about -- being able to admit that you were wrong?

Nathan, Philadelphia, PA

Seems the American right takes more glee in hating the American left than simply being satisfied with this encouraging news. How sad.

Take pride in this turn around and please show a humble face to the world. It will only benefit your country and aid in furthering your goals. Your petty political squabbles are meaningless to the Iraqis - and the rest of the world, in general.

There is still a long road ahead, with many unseen bumps and potential detours - this IS the Middle East, remember, where things can change quickly - and for the worst, unfortunately. Please proceed cautiously - and, yes, optimistically. "Mission Accomplished" is not here yet, but with the grace of God will come.

Terrance, Kingston, Canada

Good news the US in Iraq = bad news for the dems/socialists in the US. Its as simple as that. Please keep this story in the news. The public needs to know the truth.

Bill, Wauwatosa, WI, USA

Hooray! Finally, an article in a major newspaper highlighting the almost unbelievable turnaround that has happened in Iraq.
The turnaround is not a matter of propaganda or spin as some have suggested. Anyone who has followed events in towns like Ramadi over the past few months has seen hard evidence of the improvement - streets where only bullets and bombs flew until recently can now be patrolled by US troops without fear of attack. Al Qaeda has suffered a defeat in Iraq that may prove fatal to its long term goals. Thank god for the US!

Charles, Bath, UK

Who's unhappier about the growing success in Iraq? The Ba'athists, Al Qaeda or the Democratic Party leadership? That's too close to call.

David J. Crook, Coatesville, Pa., USA

Readers who have commented your editorial have celebrated your honest evaluation of the Petreaus enterprise in Iraq Those who have remained silent may be awaiting a new propaganda clip from Bin Laden or al Kawasaki to know what to say. I hope American voters get it right when they decide next year who should shape and conduct U.S. policy in the Middle East.

Juan, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Great summary. The anti-war democrats are ntohing but defeatist and isolationist. The tremendous progress made will I hope re-shape the 2008 election.

I am no 'country right or wrong' patriot, and I decry the mistakes made in public communication and war policy to this point. That said, we are clearly on the right track now, and it is the shame of the msm and democratic aprty that they cut and ran, and are still trying to profit politically from a defeatist stance.

Ted Tsaltas, Knoxville, tn

Rob, it is very clear who they want to win. Sad but clarifying.

Raul, Chicago, US

I second what the others above said. Thanks for actually reporting what has happened in Iraq. Our media has gone mysteriously quiet since things have been going much better. There's actually no mystery. The US media focuses only on what is damaging to the US but more so, the Republicans.

Thank God for the internet so we can get good reporting (er, I mean, thank Al Gore)! :-)

Tom, Dayton, USA

Not too long after 9/11 and Bush was taking it to the Taliban and al Qaeda, the Democrats here in the US figured they couldn't stand giving any more credit and kudos to the Republicans, so they changed overnight into the "loyal opposition". That term is incorrect, for they morphed into the anti-democrats (little "d") and basically aligned themselves with our enemies. It's totally amazing how hatred can get you in trouble, and that's basically what's happened. Should such people be allowed participation in government? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Throw the bums out--elect people who are willing to fight against terrorism, for when a group of people put their own political agenda and their own job security above what's good for the people who elected them, then it's time for them to go!

Galen Haugh, Rigby, ID, USA

The Petreous doctrine works because the population now sees what the radicals deliver. This was a necessary phase of the war unfortunately. The international left and their media enablers, as usual ,helped things along by encouraging the terrorists to engage in more and more spectacular acts of terror by encouraging them to think that they would force a withdrawal ( as in Vietnam).
I hope ( in vain) that they pay for their cowardice and blind obstuctionism ,but they will move on to protect Iran's mullahs and their search for the bomb.

John Anthony, Bowen Island, Canada

The Democrats root for America's loss in the war on terror. It is a sad time in US history that will change only when the moderates among us regain stature in our respective parties. Pelosi, Kennedy, Durbin, Reid, Leahy, Boxer and others on the extrme left are a danger to our Republic. They are nothing short of socialists who want to impose Marxists ideals to a coun try that in a little over 230 years has marched to the forefront of the worlds civilizations ahead of countries who have failed to do as well over the course of thousands of years.

Mark Newman, Lutz, Fl

House majority whip Jim Clyburn of South Carolina was asked by the Washington Post in July/August what Democrats would think if the Petraeus report indicated that the war was going well. "That would be a real big problem for us," Clyburn replied.

Yes, the Dems have a problem. True...and utterly pathetic/disgraceful.

The MSM? Not as much of a problem for them. They're not the least bit accountable for the non-stop editorializing and Bush bashing they engage in. Now they're almost somber when reporting dramatically reduced casulties (only mentioned briefly well into the newscast), in sharp constrast to the "Top Story" slot and enthusiasm reserved for things like NBC's "We're declaring this to be a Civil War, folks" hysteria we saw earlier in the year.

ted, Boston, MA

Well framed synopsis. It is a shame that the enemies of American interests and Middle Eastern democracy are no longer al Qaeda and sundry religious extremists like the Taliban, but political extremists in Washington, Manhattan and Berkeley. Such a pity that the rules of engagement exclude the use of laser guided weaponry on them.

Michael Lyster, Riverwoods, IL/USA

If treason can be viewed by the heart's desire, then the US liberals and the MSM are indeed treasonous. While it is fair to approach the Iraq improvement cautiously and conservatively, and while one does not want to say "mission accomplished" anytime soon, the perverse glee and even schadenfreude with which the liberals embrace military failures and sullenly and petulantly ignore the successes represents an inexplicable hatred and loathing of this country and its ideals. I imagine, wistfully perhaps, a time when our successes were proclaimed and were a source of pride, accomplishment and optimism. The negativism, defeatism and apparent self-hatred that permeates so many here is truly depressing, and makes me seriously wonder if the USA is on a course of permanent decline or self-destruction. All we can do is fight what I view is a psychological and ideological cancer.

Jay Harden, Fairfax/Virginia, USA

It's refreshing to see that not all the British have been "continentalized" or should I say "continetalised" and can see the world for what it is: dangerous.

Thank you very much for this article. I know that both British and American soldiers in Iraq will be honored by it, for it is their sacrifices above all else that have made a difference in this world.

Aaron, Washington, DC

Good news for America is bad news for the liberal Democrats.

Terry, Foothill Ranch, California USA

Excellent journalism. Thank you Times for reporting what also needs to be reported. It is very unfortunate that most in the USA media today no longer aspires to be objective in their reporting. Your report gives one hope that good news can be reported as well as it should be.

Anthony Gallegos, Villanueva, USA/NM

We are winning. Deal with it.

Prospector, Coldfoot, Alaska

I wish more people could heat this great news - sadly, they would rather hear the media's spin that the liberals are always correct, and the battle is unwinnable. It makes me sick. I wonder how the soldiers feel about this... their hard work isn't "politcal" enough to be reported... sad.

Chris, Fairfax,

IF Clinton was in office the media would be howling how good things are. You only hear chirping from the media now, Can't give Bush one ounce of favorable press although he plays the dems like a fiddle. This is one soldier, On my third tour thankful he was in office when 9/11 happened and no one else. God bless

Sean, Overseas, overseas

What astonishes me about the radical turn-around in Iraq is that General Patraeus has made the difference by turning his attention away from eleminating Iraq's enemies to establishing the security of Iraq's citizens. Notice how the children adore US soliders-- its not about sweets, its about the value of every individual. Petraeus has applied the principles inscribed on the Statue ofLiberty-- "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free. . ." This doesn't mean calling immigrants to the USA, it means the West enforcing safe places for people to live authentically on their native soil. Its about families, tribes, tongues and nations learning to live and let live. If that's American hegemony, so be it.

Marc Silver, Phoenix, Arizona

Thank you for a honest analysis of the current situation in Iraq.

Spot-on on in pointing out that it is not just the number of troops that has made the real difference, but rather what they are doing,

The old / new counterinsurgency doctrine is working - now it is a matter of how much time General Petraeus will be allotted to capitalize on this success.

Dave Dilegge
Small Wars Journal

Dave Dilegge, Stafford, Virginia / USA

Thank you for doing the job our media won't do.

Bill, Lexington, USA / Kentucky

amen amen. The liberals are hiding under the weenie sheets and wonder what went wrong. How could this happen? The MSM had so much invested in America's failure. I hear Frank Rich and Harry Reid are on suicide watch. "WE CAN NEVER WIN". Defeatist that make Neville Chamberlain look brave.

Thanks for writing a balls-on article.

Amen Amen

Gene Wiley

Gene Wiley, Detroit, USA/Michigan

I have been to Afghanistan. Al Qaeda is unwelcome there.
Now Al Qaeda is becoming unwelcome in Iraq.
If we are serious about the War on Terror, this is a tremendous victory.
So why so many long faces on the left.
Or more pointedly; who do they want to win!

Rob, Solana,