The article is interesting but overlooks many points. Army retention is above requirements. Doubts about Maliki were erased with his attacks (against American advice) on Shia militias. He mistakes short term retribalization necessary for security for the long term effort of Iraqi unity through fair elections and economic growth (which is currently 5% a year without Saudi help). He also fails to mention that the Basra situation was caused by British policy of "no casualties". All in all too much politics, not enough economics. And certain fatal blind spots (the British rules of engagement and tactics in Basra). The article is good at highlighting problems, poor at focusing on opportunities.