I fully realize Al-Alousi's is a single example and witness only and in that sense could be viewed as "merely" anecdotal, but the fact of the matter is it's impossible to gauge the depth that such examples (and there have been others of note) reflect more broadly, both as pertains to MPs and other social/political elites and as pertains to the hoi polloi as well.

Suffice to say we (the U.S. and allies, broadly conceived) represent a type of qualitative vanguard and without the many pronged diplomatic, inter-governmental and other forays - including notable and less well known military forays - such indigenous expressions as Al-Alousi's represent either would not be heard at all or would be snuffed out soon after they were expressed, very much in the manner that Saddam & Sons' regime represented internally, regionally and to the world at large.

The military deserves a nearly unguarded "thank you" for making this type of thing, at this still early stage in the "long war," even conceivable, much less practically possible.

This would be obvious, excepting for the Left and the MSM, which so often serves to obfuscate, drown out, skew, etc. any better conceptions in terms of what is occurring at critical junctures around the globe.

I voted for Mithal Al Alousi, after listening and understanding his policy. I regret others who voted in Iraq didn't.

You know I am Kurdish Iraqi, yet I voted for Mithal who is Arab Sunni, native of the Western province of Anbar. Mithal Alousi won the heart and mind of so many Iraqis who sincerely believe democracy, thankful to the sacrifices of the brave men and women of the Coalition forces.

Mr. Allousi has endured so much, including the Murder of his two sons and driver, driven to the green zone after multiple attempt of murder, and just recently had his elderly mother's house bombed.

Despite Arab and Islamic media thuggish attempt to drown his voice, Mithal is an inspiration. His courage is a hope for a better Iraq, stable and Middle East. Mithal never waited for praise to speak up his mind. After all how many people have praised the young men and women of the US Armed forces? Not many! That is sad.

poor miste aloussi. once I told an old man like you: I hope you marry a nice lady, h was very modest and replied: In heaven god wills.

the American congress is now discussinng that tax payers should not be subsidising Iraq’s post-war reconstruction when the Iraqis are capable of financing it themselves with high oil prices ( fortunatly not as high as before after the saudia oil summit which aimed at finding soulutions to high oil prices, and it did).

al alousi doesnt know that iraq is not israel,

israel is the 25th country GDP wise and highest reciver of american aid, payed by poor taxpayers that cant spot darmour(darfour hahah) on the map.

iraq on the other hand is one of the richest countries but it cant be on th GDP list and wont be a high recievr of american aid ormilitery equipment, so hard luck.

you should look at your nighbour gulf states who injected billions in american arms buying while israel defence the newest militery equipment as aid and to precerve the quantitative military edge (QME) against the neighbouring gorrilas and terorrists.

but at theend of the day your better than the poor ameican taxpayr.

so sop hoping bullshit and start preparing for the lifeafter because iraq is not Israel. you wont recive 3 billion dollars at thebegining of the fiscal year like israel. and egypt which recieves aid also from america because its israel friend.

happy long holiday.........
so be a slave to the west.

arabian, your English teacher should be fired.