Slow "Progress" in Iraq

Here’s the latest monthly, highly abbreviated version of the Iraq Index, published and updated twice a week by Michael O'Hanlon of the Brookings Institution:

Americans Killed in Action, Iraq (monthly average)

2003: 32
2004: 59
2005: 56
2006: 49
May: 60

Americans Killed in Action, Vietnam (weekly average)

1965:* 30
1966: 97
1967: 177
1968: 263
____
• = First U.S. combat troops arrived in Vietnam, 5.3.65
Vietnam table compiled by Galen Fox using Defense Department sources.

Note please—the Vietnam KIAs are weekly, not monthly, averages.

Crude Oil Production (m. bbls./day)

Prewar: 2.50
Goal: 2.50
actual: 2.14 (5/06)

Electricity (megawatts)

Prewar: 3,958
Goal: 6,000
actual: 3,800 (5/06)

“Do you think Iraq today is generally headed in the right direction or wrong direction?” (Asked of Iraqis, March 2006)

Right: 30% (down from 49%, Dec. 2005)
Wrong: 52% (up from 36%, Dec. 2005)

The rising violence in Iraq is taking its toll both on U.S. killed in action, which in 2006 have nearly reached the 50-a-month average for the entire war, and on Iraqi perceptions of their future (see poll). Prime Minster Nouri al-Maliki was able to announce his cabinet during May. But he has yet to fill the key ministries in charge of defense, the police, and national intelligence.

In just a few days, June 15, it will be six months since Iraq's election to choose a new, permanent government. Let’s hope by that date, al-Maliki will finally have his full cabinet selected and operating.

Privately, U.S. military officials are concerned about the slow pace of political progress.