response to Iraq

Yes, indeed there has been a lot of improvements in Iraq since 2003, but we shouldn't forget why and how it came to be. First, we owe it to the men and women that have given their lives for not only our country, but for Iraq as well. They not only suffered, but their families will continue to ponder their lose forever.
I too have "been there, done that" and my opinion is that Gen. David Petraeus is the reason Iraq is a better place today. I too was there in 03/04...Very bad place to be, but yet we were the outsiders. No running water, very little electricity (if at all), no education policy, no rule in government... We conquered Iraq with no expectations of where we would do with it once we took it. We as Americans cheered and loved when Saddam was executed, but it was not that that changed the Iraqi government and way of living. Instead, it was the "surge" that Gen. Petraeus brought with him, which kicked the enemies butt and was able to give the Iraqis a new beginning. I was there when the surge came to be and I tell you, it was no joke. We lost a lot of "American", I lost some good soldiers and dear friends of mine. A battle that was not over until the "enemy" got the picture. The picture would be that we wouldn't leave until they all were out of Iraq or killed. 
I know what you mean when you say that the view from above is a whole different view. I was "lucky" enough to fly over head a few times. Flew over Baghdad to Najaf and Fallujah for some butt kicking.... loved every part of it. Real battles that will go done in History. You're right, back then there wasn't much of a city or even life it self. But years later, things were different with the "city lights" in full force. A view from above is not the same from as below. The people of Iraq are still complaining about how little they have and about how "we" owe them things to come. What is missing is that they now need to figure it out on their own. We not only should leave the Country of Iraq, but we "must" do it NOW.... Seems that I still have buddies going there and this will be there 5th or 6th time..now it is all about training them, but they are not as educated as us...they can not grasp the knowledge as we do... I will take another 20-30 years to get Iraq straight. A better place for Iraqis? Yes... A better place for us all... not really... In the end, we didn't change much...just like sweeping your kitchen... eventually, you will have to clean it again