The Editors of National Review Online have written a piece aptly titled, "Don't Panic" about the pressure to retreat from Iraq. They write that any such retreat would be the result of political pandering rather than true policy changes, which is not the reason to make such a drastic change. The cite a few critical developments, including a lowering of the sectarian killings in Baghdad and civilian casualties around the country, and a turn of the tide of Sunni tribes against al Qaeda. They also point out that the increased level of troop casualties is "the inevitable result of our increased combat operations, and in no way a sign that the surge isn’t working." They rightly show the hypocrisy of those jumping ship: "[e]veryone in the American political debate professes to want to fight al Qaeda in Iraq, but now that we are finally doing it effectively Democrats and some Republicans are all but ignoring it. Defeating al Qaeda should be our minimum goal in Iraq no matter what broader policy we choose".
Similarly, William Kristol, a major name in conservative politics, writes that this is a moment of truth for Bush and his presidency. How explains that if Bush pulls back from the surge, he will be viewed by history as "a feckless, irresolute president, incapable of seeing his own strategy through a couple of months of controversy before abandoning it". Kristol also points out that the liberal left will not view any retreat as a "statesmanlike compromise"; rather, they'll go in for the kill.
General Petraeus, in an interview with the New York Post, said that there is noticeable progress in Iraq, citing the assistance of Sunni tribes, some Iraqi units operating very well, the high morale and performance of U.S. forces, and even some real political progress by the Iraqi government. When asked what he would want more of, Petraeus said "I can think of few commanders in history who wouldn't have wanted more troops, more time or more unity among their partners; however, if I could only have one at this point in Iraq, it would be more time. This is an exceedingly tough endeavor that faces countless challenges. None of us, Iraqi or American, are anything but impatient and frustrated at where we are. But there are no shortcuts. Success in an endeavor like this is the result of steady, unremitting pressure over the long haul. It's a test of wills, demanding patience, determination and stamina from all involved."
If Bush has been consistent on anything, it has been the War on Terror (and thus the War in Iraq), so hopefully he will remain resolute at this critical point in time. Congress has proven it doesn't collectively have the spine to stand firm, so the burden once again rests on his shoulders. I hope he handles it correctly.
There's my two cents.
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