Don't hold your breath

Bush is apparently preparing to "concoct" a victory in Iraq even as we are defeated.

WASHINGTON, June 23 — Last month, Congress set a deadline for the American commander in Iraq, declaring that by Sept. 15 he would have to assess progress there before billions more dollars are approved to finance the military effort to stabilize the country. The commander, Gen. David H. Petraeus, said in recent days that his report would be only a snapshot of trends, strongly suggesting he will be asking for more time.

But even before he composes the first sentences of the report, to be written with the new American ambassador in Baghdad, Ryan C. Crocker, the administration is commissioning other assessments that could dilute its findings about the impact of the current troop increase. The intent appears to be to give President Bush, who publicly puts great emphasis on listening to his field commanders, a wide range of options.

In other words, don't hold your breath for a September pull back. When we get to September, Bush & Co. will say things need another FU (six month's is a "Friedman Unit) or two, perhaps with an additional escalation. The Republicans who were saying that Bush only had till September will all go along. The Dems will wimp out, fearing that they will appear to be cutting funding to the troops if they stop funding the war, and this war will go on until Bush leaves office, assuming he does. You never know. As Commander of Everything, he may just decide to stay on. After all, he's above the law and the Constitution.