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Amidst a recent survey in which at least half of Iraqis have reason for guarded optimism about the future, the Times published a list of vital indicators. While not rosy, there are reasons to think that Iraq may have a chance to be a coherent nation again. The cost is high, the road is fraught with obstacles, but for the first time in five years, there is reason to think that events may unfold in a more positive manner.