washingtonpost.comIn other words, the surge failed. There has been no progress. While we may have created some security, the Iraqi's have not been able to do for themselves. That is not success.
In a preview of his report to Congress next week, Gen. David H. Petraeus yesterday expressed disappointment in the lack of progress toward political reconciliation in Iraq. Administration officials said he wants to return to Washington for another assessment in six months to allow more time for Iraqi politics to catch up with what Petraeus regards as rapidly improving security conditions.
And all we've seen and heard for the last two weeks has been stage crafted lowering of expectations. Which still means no progress.
Which was BushCo™'s intent from the beginning. Think about the timing of the surge, to coincide with the summer break of the Iraqi government. It was either an act of stunning incompetence, or a knowingly planned occurrence to create more delay. I have to lean more towards incompetence.
What we are seeing here is the old adage of self-fulfilling prophecy. They believe the occupation of Iraq is a long-term endeavor, and so unconsciously make decisions that result in conditions supporting their belief. This also means they ignore any real opportunities to speed up progress. Again, probably not knowingly, but simply because they believe quick progress is not feasible. Therefore, no reason exists to attempt success quickly. Pragmatism is not part of their ideology.
Gen. David H. Petraeus' job in front of congress is simply to delay. Nothing more, nothing less. He is a tool of BushCo™, because he is the definitive, stereotypical, soldier following orders. He is Colin Powell, part duex.
