Progress in Iraq

Rantingprofs discusses a NY Times article today that discusses progress in Iraq. Not surprisingly, the Times writers don't see much to cheer about. However, the article includes a chart (click on the link in the article) that, while difficult to read, portrays amazing progress, something the writers seem to have missed completely.

The chart shows changes from April, 2003 to July, 2004. Here's some of what it reveals:

• The unemployment rate has been cut in half
• 68% of Iraqis support the new government (dramatically better than here in the US, for example)
• 71% of Iraqis support the Iraqi security forces
• Oil production has increased by 230%
• Telephone service is at 145% of prewar levels
• Electric generation is at 125% of prewar levels

While there are still ample security problems in Iraq, no one should make the mistake of thinking nothing good is happening.

Unfortunately, the mainstream media only seems to report the security situation, so the view of Iraq the average American has is quite skewed.

If only the press would read Chrenkoff.