Isakson cites progress, opportunity in Iraq

WASHINGTON - Georgia Sen. Johnny Isakson says he saw remarkable progress during a visit to Iraq last weekend and the Iraqi government has a narrow ``window of opportunity'' to ensure the stability lasts.

``We've all been reading some of the accounts about the improvements,'' the Republican from Marietta said in a conference call with reporters Thursday. ``I can tell you unequivocally ... that it is a remarkable difference.''

Isakson warned, however, that if feuding Iraqi leaders cannot reconcile their differences soon ``then everything could dissipate very quickly.'' That window of opportunity lasts ``at best'' through the end of this year, he estimated.