The Surge, as I understand it, had goals expressed in political, military and security aspects. In that it took the offensive it defended the population.

First it was to secure territory. Second it was to secure the cooperation of the people living in that territory, third it was to introduce the population of that territory to a competent straight shooting and non-sectarian Iraqi Army and police units (with whom the US are imbedded) so they understand at a basic level that this is not Saddam’s army and these are not Sadr’s policemen.

Once that basic understanding is accomplished, the work of cleaning up the bad guys and building the political bridges necessary to reconciliation can begin.

I am curious what the demographic picture will look like in November of 2008, with the return of refugees and properties to rightful owners. I am curious what effect the integrated Iraqi army will have on the map. I am curious what efforts to mend tribal ties of marriage and hope will have on the Sunni and Shi’ah as a whole.

I wonder how long it will take to retreat from the schism that really was not so much of a Sunni-Shi’ah thing, but more of a Saddam, anti Saddam perception. Is is fast becoming a WIN-WIN-WIN situation for all involved in the process.