"We must have the average Iraqi supporting us to win the war in Iraq. It is achievable, but we are going to have to go back to the rebuilding efforts and be with the people 24 hours a day. This will take more troops, but I see it as the only way."
This knowledgeable guy (one man's opinion) is that we will need more troops to make this work. I don't think he's talking about some marginal increase for a brief period of time, as may happen. I think he's talking about a substantial increase.
I do not think this is going to happen. The reason is domestic political considerations inside the United States. In general, Bush claims that he is simply listening to the military and they tell him what they need and he gives it to them.
I really do not believe it is quite that simple. I think the administration gives pretty strong signals to the military about what they want to hear---then they feed it back.
I'm sorry, but I just don't believe the American people are ready to embark in a new phase in Iraq, a long-term commitment of a larger number of troops---more closely involved with the Iraqi people (which would inevitably lead to significant US casualties, based on the current scale of significant casualties).
Great article and analysis. Unfortunately, I think you hit the nail on the head. We won't do what has to be done because of the left's defeatist demands and lack of courage.