Ok. This is what is happening even as we speak. Sunni insurgents who aren't just protecting their neighborhood are moving to Diyala because it is out of the areas Bush mentioned the surge is going to affect. Shiite militias are taking off their uniforms and blending in with the civilians. Those who are doing the killings are taking a cautious approach of waiting to see what the effect of Bush's surge will be. An immediate effect will be a dip in killings as the killers take a thoughtful pause. Meanwhile, current US and Iraqi forces are trying to implement the "puddles spreading" strategy by spreading areas of security by creating sequential gated communities. That is why you see jet fighters flying over parts of Baghdad. By Gates' comments, this surge will last less than a year. During this time, the US and Iraqi security forces will attempt to create large swaths of area of denial in both Baghdad and the Anbar province. The two major obstacles to the short term success of the surge is Maliki's conflict of interest with Sadr and the US bureacracy. The major obstacles to the long term success of the surge is the ability of the forces hiding in Diyala to seep back and the ability to keep the Shiite militias disarmed. After the surge, it will be up to the Iraqi security forces to keep the security gained. God help Iraq if they aren't ready. As for the US, this is effectively Bush's last major action in Iraq. He has spent what is left of any political capital left on this. Any other major decision including a Vietnam-like withdrawal will most likely wait for the 2008 elections.

I love my country. I served in Iraq even when I did not know the mission and was not for the stated reason. Now I only want some truth from my elected leaders.

Patricia Callaway, I'm using your post as an opportunity to respond to what is an oft repeated insult (by many)that I feel shows a lack of understanding on the part of many. When you say "we are asking our children die" as if some kind of ultimate moral imperative, you are referring to members of United States Armed Forces. 1. We are not children 2.Nor are we "yours." Also, last time I checked I was not "forced" into anything. I was in Kuwait in 91, and just reupped (reserves) two months ago to help see this through to VICTORY and not lost via self-lothing. I signed the dotted line, not my mommy, not my daddy, and certainly not you. I have seen firsthand the whys and results of war and what have I learned? It is exactly like when you buy a chicken sandwich. You did not cook it, you did not pluck it, you did not wring it's neck, or even raise it from a chick. You just showed up of the street dropped a little pittance of coin.... and then started bitching about the taste. Don't ever deign to speak for this soldier again. Thank you.
Neil
NATIONALIZATION of resources? STUPID idea. In this scenario, no matter whomever the president may be, you just GAVE them CONTROL of the movements of the ENTIRE NATON via rationing. Mark my words and watch the example, they will CURSE Chavez's name one day far in the future after someone else seizes the reins of that country. We will probably send troops to bail them out.

Cheney started (and is running) this war not Bush. Bush had NO foreign relations background. He trusted Cheney and now he and we are screwed because we cannot just up and leave. I do believe though our troops should be pulled to the borders of Iran and Syria and also protect the Kurds. The Iraqi's have to decide there fate.

bush is not about to listen to the american people. he said as long as im here this will continue. well mr. bush you work for us. what do we do with employees who wont do there jobs?

Iraq, democracy? Yeah, right! OUR democracy is not working. We have been hijacked by thick-headed thugs, embezzelers, con men and the mob.

A point to make in OUR democracy: How to ensure these people never hold positions of power again.

I'm for what ever it takes to win in Iraq. Pres Bush has made some honest mistakes, but he is for the men in the service. We who are really for Americe to win can see the wins and loss without whinning. Just look at the above notes and see where these anti American are located. These are the problems in the USA.