General Petraeus & Ambassador Crocker Report to Congress

After months of waiting, we finally get to hear the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq and the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq report on the status and progress of the surge. It looks like we're going to have to wait another five more minutes though, because just before General Petraeus was going to speak we learn that his microphone is not working.

Definitely a government-run operation. Embarassing.

I'm going to update this post with particular comments from the general and Ambassador Crocker and interesting exchanges between the honored guests and our "honorable" representatives.

I'm such a political junkie. I wonder if there is a Serenity Lane for this addiction?

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UPDATE (11:03 AM PST) General Petraeus has finished his opening statement. I think he gave a straightforward, sober but also balanced account, particularly since a lot of what he has said about Iraq has been noticed by both Democrats and Republicans.

Some of the good news he gave: ethno-sectarian violence in Baghdad is down 80 percent since December, and roughly 55 percent generally (around the country if my notes are right). Roughly 4,400 weapons caches discovered, through help from Iraqis, since December, a great increase compared to the previous time period. Civilian deaths, although still too high, are declining. Iraqi Security Forces are improving and taking more responsibility, though they are still about a year or so from being able to take majority control of the country. Anbar Province, considered lost a year ago, is now a good example (though not perfect) of what can be accomplished in stabilization with local support against the terrorists. Check out some cool slides here .

But General Petraeus did not sugarcoat the problems still prevalent in Iraq. High-profile attacks, though declining, are still too high. Iran remains a looming regional player whose influence is strong. Progress is not uniform across all provinces, and in some places are experiencing significant setbacks. Finally, the level of commitment from the U.S. is going to be high and long-term. But he did strongly suggest (but didn't commit) to pulling out a brigade by the end of this year and the rest of the additional forces of the surge by mid-July 2008 if things continue the way they are going or better.

It will be interesting to see how the representatives question General Petraeus. Hopefully, they will show more respect than the obnoxious protesters who, after Gen. Petraeus finished his opening, screamed horribly "General Petraeus, the American People don't believe you anymore!" and proceeded to scream and wail as they were removed from the chambers.

C'mon people. I was impressed by Chairman Skelton saying that they will be prosecuted under the law. They should be.

UPDATE (11:41 AM PST): Ambassador Crocker just finished his remarks, and the Q&A session is beginning for both Crocker and General Petraeus. His important notes: political progress on the reconciliatory legislation is definately lacking, but ground-up reconciliation is beginning to take place, as witnessed in Anbar and in other provinces. Some important quotes:

"I do believe (Iraqi) leaders have the will to tackle the problems...but will take longer because of the environment."

"Iraqis from Anbar to Diyala and Baghdad have overwhelmingly rejected (Al-Qaida in Iraq)."

"I am certain that abandoning or drastically curtailing our efforts will lead to failure..." and Iran would be a victor in this scenario.

UPDATE (12:37 AM Tuesday, Sept. 11) I have found out that these gentlemen will be doing their spiel to another room of old, droning politicians tomorrow in the Senate--twice, for the Foreign Relations and the Armed Services Committees. I'll hold off on offering any composed thoughts of my own until those events have passed, but for now here is a good round up of some interesting views around the bloggerspace:

Rich Lowry's "The General Meets the Senate"
Michael O'Hanlon's "Petraeus Doesn't Cook The Books" These two are best read after reading the following:
DailyKos and the New York Times' comments.

Finally, Senators John McCain and Joe Lieberman offer the requisite (and sorely needed) "Let him speak!" agitation for giving the testimonies their due here.