The LA Times is reporting good news in Iraq.

his month, Fatikhan was host of the first Ramadi reconstruction conference, held behind the high walls of his family compound. Contractors, sheiks and others met with U.S. officials to discuss projects to pave roads, rebuild schools and improve electrical, sewer, phone and water systems.

Fatikhan, who wears tailored suits when not in traditional clothing, understands U.S. politics. He told a visiting journalist, "Please take a message to the Democrats: Let the American forces stay until we can hold Iraq together. Then we will have a party when American forces go."

Outside Fatikhan's meeting room, other sheiks, some much older, waited to talk to him. So did Iraqi police officials. The sheik's bodyguards were nearby.

He offered his American and British visitors sweet tea and insisted that they stay for a lunch of goat, rice and sauces.

"The terrorists are not here for the interests of Iraq," Fatikhan said. "We don't need them here to say they're here to defend us. If Iraq was in danger, the real people of Iraq would stand up and defend Iraq."

He referred to the U.S. and Britain as "the two great nations."

What's wrong with them? Don't they know it's a hopeless quagmire? And on the day of the State of the Union speech, too.

Rand, didn't you get the memo? The Democrats are in charge now, George Bush is a lame duck, and therefore ipso facto the economy is doing better, the Sun is shining longer, birds are singing sweeter -- and Iraq will wind up quite well, so long as that stupid (but fiendishly devious) wretch in the White House doesn't interfere with Nancy, Barack and Hillary's enlightened leadership.

We reserve "The World Is Going To Hell In A Handbasket While Our Leaders Drool On Their Bibs And/Or Pimp Their Sisters" mode for when The Party is out of power.

the economy is doing better, the Sun is shining longer, birds are singing sweet

And bunnies are cuter than ever. Don't forget the bunnies.

Speaking of the SotU Speech...

The traditional introduction in every year until now has always started, "Mr. Speaker! The President..." With Pelosi in that seat, what is the introduction going to be? Madam Speaker? Mrs. Speaker? Ms. Speaker?

Aren't they eating the bunnies in N Korea now?

Yes, but in Iraq, the children are no longer flying kites, as they did when Uncle Saddam was in charge.

From the Same Article:

The alliance between U.S. forces and the sheiks is a marriage of convenience. The sheiks are rivals of the elected government in Al Anbar that the U.S. supports, but there is no functioning government in Ramadi.

"Their interests align with us — none of the tribes is making any money during the war," MacFarland said. "Many, like the mafia, own construction companies. There are limits on how far down their path we can walk together, but today it's a very good relationship."

A marriage of temporary convenience, Simberg should
know a lot about that.

Rand, are you being stalked by a jilted ex? Is that what Anonymoron is all about?