[sam_paine]

I’m glad President Bush finally got things right. His refusal of Sec. Rumsfeld’s resignation for so long, and his listening to political generals instead of reality being told by junior officers, have damaged this country immeasurably

In other words, the normal, expected outcome of having a civilian commanding a vast military-industrial-political complex.

Everyone from the Joint Chiefs to the pfc on KP duty thinks they know how to win the war from their perspective. The CINC has to pick the right needle (Petreas) out of the haystack without setting the barn on fire.

[Red Dog #1]

Another point that's usually missed is defeating insurgents takes time. Until they feel beaten they'll keep fighting and that takes time. Most of the rifles, explosives and fighters are still in place in Iraqi. The only thing that has really changed is the enemies perception that we would leave if they got enough time on CNN by killing our soldiers.