[Seydlitz]

Abazid and Cheney are talking about two different things. Abazid is talking about the insurgency in terms of current operational capabilities. Cheney, in contrast, is talking about long-term strategic viability.

War is ultimately a political phenomenon. When a strong constitutional government is established in Iraq, the insuregncy will be toast. Until then, they will receive enough supplies and reinforcements from elsewhere in the Arab world to remain a security threat.

[nuffsenuff]

Bingo. Ditto. And whatever other term to explain how much I agree with your post.