So, Just How Bad Is It in Iraq? as per Christian Science Monitor

Re: Dictator
Sorry , I didn't mean to sound like I was trying to suggest we install a dictator. Just a sad truth that this region is not one I would label "ripe" for democracy.

Re: Christian Science Monitor
The reporter is actually free-lance, his work shows up in lots of reputable news outlets. Just so happened that I saw this in Christian Science monitor

RE: speak to military
As far as talking to members of the military, it states in the article that they did. Of course military sources routinely ask not to be named, not surprisingly (look at Fallon)

Re: Only one region
I know this is only about one region of Iraq, but it's a significant region, and we can't claim
"victory" if there are still areas like this one that are clearly in a state of relative anarchy, and we're well into the "surge is working" charade.