"Why Should We Expect Any Difference?"

Rep. Ike Skelton has just asked the first question to Ambassador Ryan Crocker, following his testimony on progress in Iraq.

Here's what Skelton said:

"While the American sons and daughters are sweating and fighting, as the true professionals that they are . . . it appears that the key pieces of legislation haven't been passed by the Parliament, and it appears to this country lawyer that the leaders and parliamentarians in Iraq have been sitting on their thumbs, while the young men and women of America are doing their best to bring security."

"The surge was announced in January, again in February. Here it is September. And since the surge was announced and began the Iraqi leaders have essentially made no progress in passing and implementing the measures to bring about national reconciliation. Mr. Ambassador, why should we in Congress expect the next six months to be any different than it has been in the past?"

Crocker said, "I frankly do not expect to see rapid progress through these benchmarks." He said he still believed the Iraqis were capable of coming together and showing consensus. Crocker also said the U.S. should maintain "a tactical flexibility," to advance chances of national reconciliation "when they arise."

"While I would certainly share disappointment that progress has been slow on legislative benchmarks, that to my mind, does not mean there has been no progress toward reconciliation. There has been," Crocker replied.

Crocker also said it was important to note that the surge hit "its full stride" in June. "The sectarian violence is diminished, but it is not stopped. I think it is going to take more time," Crocker said.