Yes, the surge represents a change in plan, dictated by changing circumstances on the ground.
My point was that I think the President is to be commended for his steadfast commitment to the overall war effort, and his fortitude in giving the original specific strategy enough time to work - or not.
The downside of this determination is that perhaps he remained committed to the original “small footprint” approach for too long, but I think that is hindsight.
I would rather have a steady hand at the helm, than a nervous nellie who blows in whichever wind seems to be prevailing in the moment.
It seems that the President now has the correct commander in Petraeus, and a working strategy with the surge. The news has been trending positive for several months. God willing, it will continue to do so.
With any luck, the situation will be so strongly stabilized by the time President Bush leaves office, that victory cannot be undone by his successor - whoever she may be...