Brookings Report

IraqPundit has a unique take on the Brookings report on the status of Iraq. While not in any way disregarding the problems that still exist IraqPundit also mentions this important fact, that so many forget:

To me, these are indications that Iraqis are using their freedom to improve their personal lives and, in the process, to build their country. One of the most infuriating aspects of the Western media's presentation of Iraq is that Iraqis themselves are reduced to being the bleeding, mourning victims of terror; they are bit players in a narrative that is about Bush wrecking the country. The material in the Brookings report not only credits Iraqis with initiative, it restores to them the dignity that the Western media's one-dimensional presentation denies them.

Yes, there is a lot of material in the Brookings compendium that makes for painful reading. But I get the painful part of the Iraq story every time I unfold my paper, or turn on my TV, or subject myself to the online maunderings some "informed" scholar-poseur. I'm glad someone wants to tell the rest of Iraq's complex story.

That "one-dimensional presentation" is something the MSM specializes in. It's important to remember that there is a lot more going on there than just what the press reports. The press is unable or unwilling to tell the whole story.

By the way, do read some of the other posts over there – The takedown of Juan Cole alone is worth the trip.