According to the mainstream media, Iraq is just getting worse all the time. I don't buy it. Although there is plenty of terrorist violence and suffering to come, things are turning around. Strangely enough, this is a very hopeful sign.

As I have been saying for some time now, look back on where Iraq is at five years after the fall of Hussein and make your judgement then. As far as I am concerned, there is virtually no doubt that it will be a much, much better place and a foothold for genuine reform in the Arab world.