The volume of information Iraqis volunteer to us is a fundamental metric of success. It was already soaring before we grabbed Saddam. Now it's bound to turn into a deluge. Our intel hands, so often criticized, deserve an enormous pat on the back for this one. Even if a tipster turned the tide.
Eight months ago, the coalition forces were not trusted by the Iraqi people. They had suffered under Saddam far too long to completely understand a government which exists "for the people." They had experienced first-hand the United States' failure to finish the job back in 1991. They had been falsely taught that their poverty was the result of the UN embargo against their country.
Now, as Iraq is being rebuilt, the trust is being restored. The people of Iraq have witnessed coalition troops rebuilding the infrastructure of their broken country. They have seen schools and hospitals repaired and reopened. For eight months the liberation forces have taken mortar, RPG and AK-47 fire, and they have held their ground. They have lost helicopters, vehicles and precious lives, yet they continue to perform their duties without failure.
As the people see us continue to eliminate the terrorists and strongmen, the level of trust will only continue to increase.
(Hat-tip to One Hand Clapping)
