A Good Sign

Good news from Iraq as a new cabinet is finally sworn in. Although two important posts remain to be filled, it is a really positive development that the deadlocks have been broken.

Iraq's parliament swore in its full-term prime minister and his cabinet Saturday, a political milestone U.S. leaders hope will allow a new government to begin solving the country's problems and lead to the eventual withdrawal of U.S. troops.

But the formation of the new government, anticipated for over five months since national elections were held Dec. 15, was marred by the new prime minister's inability to fill the top two positions in his government and the walkout of several Sunni Arab politicians who felt they had been spurned in the negotiations over cabinet posts.

This is not to say everything is perfect and cheery over there. Omar at Iraq the Model says he can see the light at the end of the tunnel. But they have to make it out before the tunnel collapses. Hopefully, the new government will be able to shore up that tunnel for them all until they can reach the end safely.