[Jeff Chandler]

I remember when McPain wanted to invade Afghanistan with 250,000 troops: ‘Bootch on the ground’.

Yep. What Bush and Rumsfeld did in Afghanistan and Iraq was brilliant. And even though they were slow to adapt (by modern TV show standards) to the changing situation in Iraq, adapt they did, with amazing results.

I have no respect for those who are quick to criticize the military in Iraq. They have consistently done an unbelievable job there, and the way they have changed ROE and tactics to meet the challenges is something that will be studied in military history for generations.

[Blue State Insurgent]

Yep. But i don’t think they were slow in switching strategies in iraq in that the population had to turn against the enemy first before counterinsurgency could work. The enemy needed to wear out their welcome first.

The Anbar Awakening didn’t start until the fall of 06 and that was quickly followed up by the change in our strategy.

Bush seized the opportunity in a timely fashion in my opinion.