Because good news is *always* welcome!

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U.S. commander says Iraq's insurgents weaker
CNN World News

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- The commander of U.S. ground forces in Iraq called recent deadly attacks on Iraqi police and political figures "desperate efforts" at intimidation by insurgents hoping to stall January 30 elections.

Despite the attacks, Lt. Gen. Thomas F. Metz maintained the enemy is weaker and does not enjoy support among Iraqis.

"It is not a popular insurgency," Metz said. "The tools that they are using -- murder, torture, kidnapping indiscriminately children (and) women -- those are tools of someone who is not popularly supported."

(snip)

There have been an average of 70 attacks each day, and nearly 50 are against the coalition, he said.

Metz cautioned not to rely too much on the figures since a failed attack on a U.S. military convoy is counted equally with a suicide car bombing that kills scores of people.

He added that the insurgents' "intimidation campaign" is the "last tool in the enemy's kit bag" and that many of their unsuccessful attacks go unreported.

Metz said four of Iraq's 18 provinces -- Anbar, Nineveh, parts of Baghdad province and Salahaddin -- are not ready for elections but "will be in much better shape in three weeks."

(snip)

What this Commander on the ground confirms is what I sense - terrorists making last ditch efforts to oppress and intimidate the Iraqis, and their very efforts to do so contributing to Iraqi determination to go forth. No one likes cowards that hide behind women, children, unarmed contractors and mosques.

I also paid particular attention to what he says about the "stats".... that the numbers are skewed when looking at the overall totals of assaults daily. Much as most the MSM against the war would like to have us believe, there are not 50 suicide car bombers daily. Considering how many people may have opportunities to slide unnoticed in a crowd, I find it amazing there are not more.

I'll bet on the American led coalition and Iraqis any day. They will come out on top this election day.

And if the Sunni's choose not to particpate? Tough beans. That's the way the system works. You don't vote and particpate? You lose your chance to have a say in what goes on.