Only military sources and a some difficult-to-swallow statements make this poor journalism. For example, if there's only this one "last stronghold" of Al-Qaeda in Bagdad, and our government says that's who's causing the problem, why isn't the violence going down rapidly?

One should view any "happy stories" from Iraq with scepticism, and this cheerleader-type story is no exception. The reporter seems to actually be on site in Baghdad and her sources are limited to American military officers so I imagine she is probably imbedded - it is death for an independent Western journalist to be on the streets of Baghdad. The story lacks any context, any interviews with Iraqis or with Iraq experts. Her article is neatly summed up with this quote: "It is impossible to corroborate the claims" And that is how I rate this simplistic, one-sided story.

Presents a compelling story, though a lack of breadth in sourcing renders this story less credible than one would desire.

The only sources are US military officers who would seem to have a vested interest in claiming the surge is so successful it actually produces Iraqis willing to risk their lives in order to inform. It could be true but, without corroborating non-US-military sources, it's hard to swallow.

On the scene journalist reports that Iraqis are more and more turning toward the Americans for security and order. The recent captures of heavy duty Al-Qaeda people is due to the increasing number of tips received by US forces.