I’m not quite sure how I missed this. If there are any Democrats reading, I’m sure they’ll tell me. Anyway, along with Baird, Levin, Clinton, Casey, Durbin, and McNerney, Congressman Tim Mahoney (D-FL) admits that the military is making progress in Iraq, and is fighting al-Qaeda.

The United States’ military surge has succeeded in putting al Qaeda fighters “on their heels” in the battle-torn Anbar province, but other political forces are still working against the reunification of Iraq, according to U.S. Rep. Tim Mahoney.

Oh, and you’re going to love this. You know how President Bush says it’s imperative for Iraq to be stabilized, to stop the weapons flow, and win the war, or the region would be destabilized? Well, all of a sudden this Florida Democrat has an original stance that Chimpy Bushitler simply won’t take:

The U.S. president should also engage diplomacy with Iran and other countries in the region to stop the flow of munitions and fighters into Iraq.

“The president of the United States has got to show leadership,” Mahoney said.

The stakes are high. If Iraq fails to form a cohesive nation, civil war will rage on, and that could lead to instability throughout the Middle East, Mahoney warned.

No sh*t. Of course, Mahoney’s still convinced Iran (a country responsible for the deaths of our soldiers in Iraq) should be had over for tea and crumpets.

Here’s the important part, though: Mahoney admits the surge has allowed the US to fight al Qaeda more effectively:

Mahoney said his group also met with U.S. Maj. Gen. Walter Gaskin and a colonel in his command. Gaskin told the lawmakers the troop surge had allowed the U.S. to force al Qaeda from Ramadi.

“That has really made a difference and really has gotten al Qaeda on their heals,” Mahoney said.

Mahoney said he also learned that Sunnis, who allied with al Qaeda in opposing a strong central government in Iraq, are now changing their minds.

The Democrats started off with the contention that the surge wouldn’t work. It would just be another failed policy from the Bush Administration. We’re not fighting “the real war” against our “real enemy”.

Well, the surge has been implemented. Former enemies are joining our side. We’re making noticeable progress in one of the most difficult provinces. Even Democrats admit we’re fighting al Qaeda there, and now some admit the region would be destabilized if we leave before the job is done. The troops are more upbeat. Public opinion polls show an increase in support for the war. A vast majority of the public has confidence in Petraeus. Support for the Democratic-led Congress is at an all-time low. Bush’s approval is stabilized or (according to some polls) slightly up.

The Democrats are left to change the goal posts, move on to another argument, or simply stay quiet about it.

September should be interesting.