Good Things

Whether Zarqawi’s death represents a real turning point in the Iraq war remains to be seen. But it sure is a good thing.

U.S. and coalition forces have cleaned out Saddam; cleaned out his sons; cleaned out virtually all of the Saddam hierarchy; and now cleaned out Zarqawi and a bunch of his henchmen. This too is a real good thing.

Iraq, the United States and the rest of the world will benefit.

I’m very interested in the 17 bombing sortie missions that accompanied the Zarqawi action. I’m also very interested in the “treasure trove” of intelligence information that has been secured. More will be revealed on these fronts.

Let’s not overlook that the new Iraqi government has filled the key security positions of defense, energy and national security. This is another big positive.

So, when you consider the great news of Zarqawi’s demise, definitive progress in Iraq’s government, plus the fact that Iran’s Ahmadinejad is ready to talk, well, it strikes me that risk premiums in world financial markets, including oil, could decline as a result of these important events.

Here’s hoping.