Yesterday Power Line commented on a Washington Post reported that 15 of 18 benchmarks set by the US Congress have been met in Iraq.
On page 8 of the Washington Post’s news section today, we learn that, according to the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, Iraq has met all but three of the 18 original benchmarks set by Congress. The only three that have not met are (a) enacting and implementing laws governing the oil industry (though it’s not clear why formal laws are necessary), (2) disarmament of militia and insurgent groups, and (3) making the Iraqi police more professional.
The Post hastens to add, however, that other recent assessments find that Iraq has failed to achieve “many of the goals that the Baghdad government and President Bush said would be reached by the end of 2007.” But a parallel statement can probably be made with respect to the domestic situation here in the U.S.
The best evidence of the extent to which political progress has been made in Iraq is found in another story that also appears on page 8 of the Post — the fact that Iraq’s main Sunni Muslim political bloc is on the verge of rejoining the Shiite-led government after a boycott of almost a year. If this bloc, known as the Tawafaq Front, does join the government, that itself will represent progress. Perhaps more importantly, the bloc would not be ending its boycott in the absence of major progress.
The bloc withdrew from the Iraqi government last August over demands for constitutional change and the release of Sunni detainees from Iraq’s prisons. Now, according to the Post, its leaders say the government has done enough to satisfy their core conditions. In particular, they cite the passing of the amnesty law and the government’s efforts to crack down on Shiite militias.
Today Jim Lindgren at Volokh reminds us of the Democrat controlled Congresses Six for ‘06 benchmarks:
1. Real Security at Home and Overseas Reclaim American leadership with a tough, smart plan to transform failed Bush Administration policies in Iraq, the Middle East and around the world. Require the Iraqis to take responsibility for their country and begin the phased redeployment of US forces from Iraq in 2006. Double the size of Special Forces to destroy Osama Bin Laden and terrorist networks like al Qaeda. Rebuild a state-of-the-art military capable of projecting power wherever necessary. Implement the bipartisan 9/11 Commission proposal to secure America’s borders and ports and screen 100% of containers. Fully man, train, and equip our National Guard and our police, firefighters and other first responders. Honor our commitments to our veterans.
2. Better American Jobs — Better Pay
Prohibit the Congressional pay raise until the nation’s minimum wage is raised. End tax giveaways that reward companies for moving American jobs overseas.
3. College Access for All
Make college tuition deductible from taxes, permanently. Cut student loan interest rates. Expand Pell Grants.
4. Energy Independence — Lower Gas Prices
Free America from dependence on foreign oil and create a cleaner environment with initiatives for energy-efficient technologies and domestic alternatives such as biofuels. End tax giveaways to Big Oil companies and enact tough laws to stop price gouging.
5. Affordable Health Care — Life-Saving Science …
6. Retirement Security and Dignity …
Well lets see how they fared shall we?
On #1- Real Security at Home and Overseas: (F) Failed… capitulated to the Presidents will at ever turn so far!
#2 - Better American Jobs — Better Pay: (F) Failed… Has failed to enact any meaningful legislation for either in fact the mandatory raising of the minimum wage will prove to have lost jobs!
#3 - College Access for All: (F) Failed… Not even close!
#4 - Energy Independence — Lower Gas Prices: (F) Failed… This is a joke this congress as blocked every attempt at this put forth!!!
#5 - Affordable Health Care — Life-Saving Science: (F) Failed… Again not even close!
#6 - Retirement Security and Dignity: (F) Failed… I don’t think so this congress won’t do the hard things that need to be done to make this pledge a reality! Sorry no dice!!!
So with the very minor exception of raising the minimum wage I see the score as:
Iraq: 15 of 18 U.S. Congress: 1/2 of 6
Iraq wins!!!
Oh and here’s what Speaker Pelosi considers acoplishments.
Of course given this announcement yesterday, is anyone surprised by Waxman/CBS today, outlined in my post below? Where's the State Department when you need them? ;)