Ironically, CNN broke down on January 11, 2007, when it published a piece entitled, “Speeding, motorcycles, wheelies provide war relief.”  I was beginning to feel alone in my informed understanding that the War in Iraq has taken a turn for the better.  And since the media tend to mention it only when death and destruction are occurring, seeing an uplifting story about the conditions under U.S. operations in Iraq was more than intriguing. 

The better security can be attributed to many factors: the U.S.-led surge that has put more troops across Baghdad and clamped down on insurgents; better-trained Iraqi security forces who guard more checkpoints; and the establishment of predominantly Sunni “Awakening Councils,” often made up of former militants, aimed at going after al Qaeda.

Not only does CNN acknowledge that the surge is a contributing factor, but it goes on to touch on a very important component of this war: The winning over of the hearts and minds of radical Islamic fascists.  As you read in the above paragraph, these “Awakening Councils” have actually succeeded in binding together former terrorists.  This is the task that many had deemed impossible (and by “many” I mainly believe liberals, who were mostly – might I add – ready to give up on the Iraqi people the moment the war began).

This war cannot be won without the continued instilment of opposing values within these militants.  A value for life and prosperity can and must be introduced to a radical faction that embraces the opposite – death and demise for a false perception of reality.  These councils seem to show efforts aimed in this direction to be both fruitful and attainable.

At any rate – let’s get back to the point of the article.  The Iraqis have begin to organize their own motorcycle races, in an effort to bring entertainment to their lives and to get out of the homes they have been hiding in for extended periods of time.

The festivities aren’t sponsored by the government, but it does occur under the watchful guise of Iraqi troops.  Iraqi soldiers ring the event and check the vehicles for explosives at the sole entrance.  Such racing wasn’t allowed under the regime of Saddam Hussein.

Considering that Hussein was such a lovely man (gag reflux), I’m not surprised.  Radicalized dictators shun all sorts of fun.  Things are getting better – even in terms of sectarianism.

One motorcycle mechanic and racer said, “Life is difficult and hard and suffering.  We had sectarianism.  Thanks be to God, we overcame that.”

I’m looking forward to a safer, more prosperous Iraq.  A surge to success, indeed.

Guest post written by Billy Hallowell. Visit his web site.

People from around the United States have noticed Billy Hallowell’s hard work and dedication. He has been published/featured in political and cultural books, textbooks as well as articles and websites focusing on the youth of America and its role in the future of the world. In 2003, he attended the World Bank’s conference on youth development in Paris, France. Over the years, he has become known as a major force among young people and has received prestigious journalism and community awards for his work. Since he was 15-years-old, Billy has been working through the communications industry to connect and reach out to his peers.

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