Big Time is asinsightful as he is honest.

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq has defeated terrorism and is well on the road to recovery after five years of war, a confident Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said Thursday.

Then the lights went out.

Maliki, known for his steely nerves, tried to continue his speech. But his bodyguards would have none of that.

They hustled him off the stage,, possibly fearing that the power failure might be part of a plot against the prime minister.

Maliki’s speech was an attempt to boost his nation’s morale on the anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq. But its abrupt end was a reminder of the obstacles ahead.