It's a start, to say the least...

"In Baghdad, I spoke with Army Gen. David Petraeus about UNHCR’s need for security information and protection for its staff as they re-enter Iraq, and I am pleased that he has offered that support. General Petraeus also told me he would support new efforts to address the humanitarian crisis “to the maximum extent possible”—which leaves me hopeful that more progress can be made.

My visit left me even more deeply convinced that we not only have a moral obligation to help displaced Iraqi families, but also a serious, long-term, national security interest in ending this crisis.

Today’s humanitarian crisis in Iraq—and the potential consequences for our national security—are great. Can the United States afford to gamble that 4 million or more poor and displaced people, in the heart of Middle East, won’t explode in violent desperation, sending the whole region into further disorder?

"What we cannot afford, in my view, is to squander the progress that has been made.

As for the question of whether the surge is working, I can only state what I witnessed: U.N. staff and those of non-governmental organizations seem to feel they have the right set of circumstances to attempt to scale up their programs. And when I asked the troops if they wanted to go home as soon as possible, they said that they miss home but feel invested in Iraq. They have lost many friends and want to be a part of the humanitarian progress they now feel is possible."

Many bloggers are quoting Angelina Jolie's remarks, as I am here. However, I am not on the Jolie bandwagon whole heartedly. While I applaud her comments regarding the situation in Iraq and what the surge has produced, I cannot help but remain just a smidgen skeptical. Perhaps I have been a member of the 'C and S Club'* for far too long regarding Hollywood celebrities and their political statements, especially with anything that conservatives agree upon, but as I stated above...'It's a start, to say the least...'


*Curmudgeonly and Skeptical Club.