I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but I don’t think I’ll be taking this one off the player.

More progress from Iraq, this time on the economic front…

From the Washington Times: 

According to a just-released report by the IMF, Iraq may see as much as 7 percent economic growth this year, and 7 to 8 percent next year. According to Mohsin Kahn, director of the fund’s Middle East and Central Asia Department, this minor economic miracle is tied mainly to Iraq’s growing production of oil — which again reflects an improved security situation. Iraq is currently pumping 2 million barrels per day, a figure that could rise by 200,000 barrels by next year. In the last quarter of 2007, Iraqi oil production rose by 250,000 barrels per day, mainly due to the improved security situation in Kirkuk in the Kurdish area of northern Iraq.

Not only that, but due to the macroeconomic policies and reforms over the past year by the Iraqi government, it was able in December to repay early its entire outstanding debt to the IMF, amounting to some $470 million. As a consequence, the fund approved a new stand-by package for Iraq of $740 million on December 20.

“The Iraqi authorities have succeeded in keeping their economic program, on track, in 2006-7, despite the difficult security situation,” stated Takatoshi Kato, deputy Managing Director of the IMF when the new package was approved. The IMF also commended the Iraqi government for its plans to keep up the good works in 2008.

Let’s see.

Security Progress - CHECK
Political Progress - CHECK
Economic Progress - CHECK

“I believe … that this war is lost, and this surge is not accomplishing anything… ” - Harry Reid

The surge of U.S. forces has created an opening for Iraqi leaders, and now they are moving to exploit it. Things are not happening as fast or as well as we would like - but they are happening.

I am of the opinion that if history is written with any accuracy, President Bush will be praised for remaining true to the battle against terrorism in Iraq. In the face of seemingly insurmountable adversity, he stuck it out.