Slow Progress Intelligence Estimates

A new National Intelligence Estimate on Iraq cites significant security improvements and progress toward healing sectarian political strife. The classified document provides a more upbeat analysis of conditions in Iraq than the last major assessment by United States spy agencies. The N.I.E. update confirmed that the surge strategy the president announced in January of last year is working. No one will be foolish enough to say the work is done, but progress has obviously been made. The document was described by American officials on both sides of the Iraq debate, including officials who favor rapid withdrawals of American troops. National Intelligence Estimates represent a consensus of America’s 16 intelligence agencies. Numerous leading Democrats are, surprisingly, asking for the report to be declassified in order for Americans to be aware and clear as the Presidential elections are looming.