How's Iraq doing?

Whenever you hear about the numbers of Iraqi soldiers and security forces available, cut that number by around half. According to the ArmyTimes, only one-half to two-thirds of Iraqi soldiers are actually available to serve - if they even exist! "Ghost soldiers" seem to spring up more and more, as a way for corporeal soldiers to scheme more money for their forces.

What has our military's response to downed helicopters been? If you think they're sending troops into the area to secure it, and prevent further attacks against US aircraft - you'd be a Republican, and most definitely WRONG. The actual response has been to not allow US aircraft to fly over those areas.

The House Armed Services Committee voted, 59-0, in favor of the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2007, a bill designed to begin to right the wrongs that are happening, not just in Walter Reed, but at VA hospitals across the country. In the meantime, the Senate Judiciary Committee, taking a brief respite from the US attorney scandal, has asked federal investigators to be a little more aggressive in prosecuting alleged contractor fraud in Iraq.

Finally, in a BBC story, the world seems to largely be ignoring the humanitarian issues surrounding the United States' illegal occupation of Iraq.