Surge becomes escalation

I think those of us who said the term "surge" was inaccurate and that a better term would be "escalation" are being proved correct already. "Surge" was meant to convey that the build up was temporary and short-term. An escalation connotes a longer commitment. From today's NY Times, we learn this isn't going to be short-term:

WASHINGTON, March 7 — The day-to-day commander of American forces in Iraq has recommended that the heightened American troop levels there be maintained through February 2008, military officials said Wednesday.

Now, let's see, that's about two Friedmans. And, of course, each time a Friedman expires, we get to add a new one to the length of the tunnel through which the light is shining from the ever more distant end. So, I figure six months from now (September) is about the time they'll say the "surge" has to be maintained until, say, September 2008 -- unless, of course, Congress puts a stop to this.