This surge plan is moronic. What could 15% more troops actually do? Do they really think a few more troops are all that is needed to “turn the tide”? How do additional troops actually help turn the Iraqi public opinion to our side?
The cynics are already saying that this surge plan is just a scheme to keep from losing the war during Bush’s term so the next President will be blamed for any Vietnam-like pull out. Given the elections are still 22 months away, I don’t see how it is possible to maintain war support with a hostile Congress in session. This war is costing A LOT and we must be in bizarro world when the Democrats are threatening to cut up this “conservative” President’s credit cards.
My hope: we mostly leave Iraq before the 2008 elections, with Bush proclaiming that the Iraqi gov’t is ready to stand on its own, but mostly because the Congress grows a pair and withdraws the additional funding required to pay for the war. This war has been an American disaster and its outcome should not be blamed on anyone but those who planned and oversaw it.
UPDATE: Don’t listen to me. Maybe there are some who have a more informed opinion?
UP2: Here’s a balanced report with more background on the surge plan.