Quote:
Originally Posted by flere-imsaho
Again, the problem is this word "stabilized". I'm sure Iraqis think the country is "more stable" than 2 years ago. But "stabilized"? No.
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I don't see where Edward is arguing that "stabilized as compared to 2 years ago" equates to "Iraq is as stabilized as Belgium" (for example).
If you are suggesting that the use of the word "stabilized" is an end state, then Edward is clearly not suggesting the effort is finished.
In any event, you cannot convert a dictatorship into a democracy (especially when it is overrun with Al Qaeda types) overnight. So you have to have measurables. I think it's fair to compare Iraq today vs 2 years ago and determine progression or regression. Just like it was fair to compare Iraq in 2005 to just after the overthrow of Saddam in 2003 and say "things are getting worse".