The enemy may be pushing back, the Iraqi government’s response displays intolerance for these acts and a determination to reclaim their neighborhoods from the perpetrators, the ambassador said. Leadership response to a June 24 attack in Sadr City aimed at district council members is a prime example.

On June 26, the council reconvened to hold the election that had been scheduled for the day of the attack and elected one of the members who had been wounded as its new chairman. It then denounced the attackers, publicly thanked the United States for its support, and extended sympathy to those affected by the attack, Crocker said.

“We’ve got more hard work in front of us,” he said. “The fighting is by no means over, but clearly we are in a different and better place than we were even six months ago.”

Though work remains to be completed in Iraq, Crocker said, he is certain the climate is in place for Iraqis to build their country on all fronts -- security, political and economic.

I will say that the man has what looks to be a reasonable career record, but it also must be noted that he "serves at the pleasure of" (as the phrase is properly used)... wait for it... "The Decider", so can we reasonably expect him to make any other remark? "Yeah, George's policies blow but Dick's buddies are raking it in so we're just gonna stay the course" just isn't going to see the light of day.