Iraq's investment in its own security continues apace:

More than 300 people became Iraq’s newest Iraqi National Guard members after completion of a 13-day boot camp. With the graduating class of 04-07, Iraq took one step closer to its complete independence as Multi-National Forces transferred responsibility of the ING Academy to the command of the ING at ceremonies held here, Oct 7.

To the south, Iran's proxy war has faltered again. Mohammed Fadhil is guarded but optimistic:

In what looks like a massive recession for Muqtada and his followers; "Mehdi Army" decided to give in all their medium and heavy weapons to end their violent activities and obey the laws as a first step enter the political and electoral process.

...It’s not very clear why Sadr decided this now but I guess it was the result of many factors, the most important of which is — in my opinion — Muqtada’s failure to get enough support from the Iraqi people. ...

The last development will have a significant impact over the remaining tension spots, especially Fallujah where the terrorists lost one of their allies who helped them convince some observers that the "resistance" is not confined to a particular sect or city but a generalized rejection to the current administration in Iraq. Besides, there are at least huge doubts that surround this part of the resistance as it’s obvious that former Ba’athists are at least part of it, and there’s also the brutality it showed and its clear relations to Arabs and foreigners who also form a considerable part of it. The Iraqi "resistance" has lost its Iraqi face.

Mohammed acknowledges that car bombs and other terrorist attacks will continue to occur as long as safe havens remain and attackers slip past Iraq's strengthening internal security. Random bombings, however, have carried little military value, and — if the reaction and progress of Iraqis over eighteen months is any indication — even less psychological value. In the face of a terrorist onslaught Iraqis have become indignant instead of fearful, American-led forces cautiously thorough instead of tentative.

Iran, Syria, al Qaeda and other authoritarian forces witnessed two defeats over the weekend. This past Saturday, Australians rallied behind hawkish, progressive Prime Minister John Howard, ending any Islamist (or leftist) hopes for the departure of another American ally. The same day, millions of Afghans voted in free elections with an informed enthusiasm unthinkable three years ago, a jarring defiance of their former oppressors who fecklessly scurry about on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. In three weeks, a victory by President Bush would mean another four years of military pursuit of terrorists and state sponsors, actions that may be, contrary to the predictions of critics, more aggressive and comprehensive than during Bush's first term. Back in Iraq, speculation abounds as to when Allied forces will remove remaining terrorist pockets but all parties agree on the operations' inevitability.

Authoritarians and the global, relativist left — whose assumptions coincide far too often for comfort — believed that Iraq would be a humiliating, costly defeat for America. That outcome was never certain, and today appears less and less likely. As Mohammed says, "our enemies may look strong and scary" but they only need a "small push" to "collapse," their success contingent on an impression that is recognized by an increasing number of Iraqis, Americans and allies as illusory. Bloody April killed many and frightened more, yet the Ba'athist-Khomeinist insurrections turned out to be anemic, deeply unpopular and short-lived. And that was the terrorists' best shot. It may not be long before the menagerie of strongmen in and around Iraq remember the protracted engagement as an opportunity-turned-deathtrap, surprised by the resilience of the free world but moreso by the sheer willpower and courage of people they once enslaved.

GREAT MINDS: Ask the same question. National Review contributor Peter Robinson opened a topic to Corner readers and published my response. The perspectives of other readers ought to be interesting, too.

AND: Here's USAID's latest report on Iraq's civil construction if you want to quantify how "Iraqis are becoming more and more involved in their new country." And don't forget Jim Hake's Spirit of America.