I agree. However, the situation in Iraq is that of a people who are scared. After years of death squads and torture, they are slow to stick their necks out.

However, this is exactly why the surge is working. We are providing visible security. This is emboldening them to report/ turn in insurgents in their area. We are seeing progress because we re getting cooperation and information that was not possible previously.

I would imagine that they would be even more willing to stick their necks out if they were not bombarded with promises from a major US political party that they will pull our troops out as soon as possible.