Sorry, but an objective view of Dubya's statements simply do not reveal a clear exit strategy, at least not a realistic one. He, along with any other Republican president, certainly suffers at the hands of an incredibly biased media, but there's more behind his sinking poll numbers than just that standard fare. There are plenty of Republicans giving him low marks right now, as well.
You can pretend that Iraq is going exactly as expected, but it's glaringly obvious to any objective observer, including his supporters, that this is not the case. Reality: Iraq is not going to turn into some bastion of freedom and western democracy. And the longer he hangs around chasing such an unattainable goal, the harder it's gonna be for him or anyone else to get the support of the people for future actions that will almost certainly be needed elsewhere. Syria and Iran come to mind.
MM
What part of his strategy do you find unclear or unrealistic? It seems perfectly plain to me.
Iraq not going exactly as expected -- of course isn't - that is a ridiculous criteria for success or failure in a war. As they say, the enemy gets a vote, and people make mistakes. The "Reality" is we are winning in Iraq, and there is no doubt about it. The Sunnis have been coopted, and the political support for the insurgency is greatly diluted, and grows weaker every day. As long as we don't quit, we are going to win. The only way we can lose is if we give up. Therefore, anybody who advocates quitting is advocating victory for the beastly savages of darkness.
Iraq as a western democracy is another ridiculous criteria that you throw out to argue that it's hopeless. An Iraqi democracy will be a gigantic strategic success for the US for many, many years to come, with highly beneficial regional and global consequences. The Iraqis are well on their way, of that there can be no doubt.
People have to pick who they want to win in this war, the bloodthirsty savages who will destroy civilization, or us. It's one or the other.
The notion that surrender in Iraq puts us in better position to win with Syria or Iran is foolish beyond belief. Victory with either foe is essentially impossible without staying the course and winning in Iraq. Who in either country would be so stupid as to stand with us if we abandon our friends in Iraq on the cusp of a great triump because of a freaking blip in the polls?
This is no time to go wobbly.