Security defines satisfaction in Iraq

ìIraq is split on war and its aftermath,î by Julie Snider, USA Today, 29 April, p. 4A.

Interesting polling data in Iraq, where breakdowns given for Baghdad, Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds. Across the board, those most happy with US-led occupation to date are the Kurds. No surprise, because they feel the most secure.

Polls show ordinary Iraqis happy that we came and got rid of Saddam, but get more resentful of our presence over time due to deteriorating securityóexcept for Kurds, who frankly had their stuff together before we got there thanks to the Northern Fly Zone effectively granting them independence from Saddam.

As I often note, it all starts with security in terms of economic development and the growth of connectivity, but all the bad stuff starts likewise with the lack of securityóincluding a growing hatred of our presence in Iraq.