Through the hard work of the US military and increasing (by leaps and bounds) cooperation from local Iraqis, Iraq is gaining momentum to join the modern era. One of the first things I noticed is that the EU just possibly has missed the boat. Tremendous news on the economic growth within Iraq (50% increase in Per Capita Income) from last year. Schools for girls? opening up. The mechanics of the elections are ramping up and getting prepared for the first free multi-part elections in Iraq since 1954. Some estimates have the number of people moving BACK at close to a million. The Iraqii National Guard has officially taken over security in Najaf. Kurdistan looks to be a land of great economic opportunity. The marshes are slowly returning, and the food they provide is being replanted. The oil industry is getting modernized and a new generation of engineers is being trainied to take over. Actually, what is ever more inportant is this: "As the report notes, the challenge is not only to rebuild the infrastructure destroyed through neglect, war and sabotage, but to avoid the 'rentier economy' trap that oil-rich countries tend to fall into: 'Countries rich with oil export it and use the proceeds to finance the state and the ruling elite. There is no need to tax the population or let them be represented. The results include a weak private sector and an education system that does not generally produce qualified graduates.' With the democratic and economic reform in Iraq, there is hope that the benefits of the oil economy will be used more wisely and benefit more people than in the past." And just plain more.