Major Political Benchmark Possible

One of the unmistakable indications of counterinsurgency victory, and the recent promotion of Petraeus is a sound indication that events in Iraq have recently gone well, is when the insurgents stand down and join the political process. The Sunnis are formally announcing their intention to rejoin the Maliki government. What seemed unthinkable a year ago, the parties that walked out of Iraq's government have agreed to rejoin, in what could amount to a long-awaited political breakthrough. The necessary military step achieved by Petraeus and the surge allowed sufficient breathing room for the chaotic Iraqi political process to develop in a positive direction. And with this latest political development, the main Sunni Arab bloc, the Accordance Front, said it intended to submit a list of candidates for cabinet positions within days and could be back in Maliki's government soon. Its return has been a major goal of the United States.