Duncan expatiates. Hmmm. But wait a second, you mean it works like this: Bush vetoes appropriation, then announces troops will stay longer…because the Democrats won’t pay for them? Sorry. Does not scan.
What’s actually happening is this: A battle between Petraeus–with the full support of Gates–and those Bushies who think “progress” can–no, has to–be shown, and troops removed, by September. That’s classic Bush spin baloney and Petraeus is pushing back against it. He’s trying to run the mission as close to classic counterinsurgency as he can–which means, it takes years. (which also means, you need a coherent Iraqi government, which is why Petraeus keeps saying, “A military victory is not possible.”
In this case, Petraeus and Gates are doing the honorable thing: trying to complete the mission. The Bush White House, as always, is trying to undermine the mission and win the spin.
Duncan: I’m glad you find me endlessly entertaining, but war isn’t entertainment. I’m trying my hardest to report it out. Are you?
PS–Since many readers seem to have short memories, let me repeat that I’ve been opposed to the surge. I stand precisely with Senators Jim Webb, Jack Reed and Chuck Hagel on this: I think our best military minds–people like Genl Petraeus–should be devoting their attention to the safest, and least disastrous, and most responsible, way out of this.