More good news from Iraq

I came across a story from the AP entitled, "US Offers Iraqis Service Jobs" which details a program by the US Military in which they employ local Iraqis to begin working on sanitation, rebuilding, and security. They are paid $300 per month which is great wealth to some of these men who have been out of work for years.

The program is modeled after the successful "Awakening Council" idea which pays locals to provide security against the insurgent movement. These councils have provided income and security in many of the towns throughout the country which has led to a 60% drop in violence since its inception last June.

This is similar to the concept of the New Deal program instituted by FDR during the Depression. The idea is to provide a "hand up, not a hand out". It will improve the lot of those in the community and it will pump income into the local economy. Most importantly, it will allow those proud and intelligent men to provide for their families once again. The work is not glamorous, but it is honest and it beats getting paid to be a suicide bomber.

Finally, the US is making strides towards removing itself and it will be able to look at its work with pride. It will have taken down a dictatorship and left a growing democracy. Let us hope.

Thoughts anyone?