Could they be saving ammunition for the 2006 election ?
Every time the media think they have Bush right where they want him, he slips through their fingers and leaves them with egg on their faces.
To say that you know it....
indicates how you found out.
"Could they be saving ammunition for the 2006 election ?"
That would be my take. He declares his policies were right and justified by (this declassified) evidence made public, and timed for the fall elections.
If events in Iraq continue favorably; government is successfully "stood up"; troop drawdowns continue, etc.
Bush declares success and ask voters to strengthen his ability to protect America, by electing Republicans. Republican candidates rn on strong defense "platform" (RNC talking points).
Contrasts nicely against wobbly and inconsistent democrats.
I see the long term WOT in a serial fashion: One country at a time, by whatever means is necessary.
If that means force is needed elsewhere, after Iraq, it is best to be winding down in Iraq first.