[Steel Wolf]

Unfortunately, and dangerously, the President appears to have largely lost their confidence. .... Many Americans, it would seem, are still open to a plan for Iraq that has a chance of working--if the President acts soon. If not, no matter how strong a position he has constitutionally, he will not be able to sustain his Iraq policy.

A key point, and to be honest, the ultimate reason that President Bush will wind up accepting the recommendations of the ISG. It's now a race against the clocks of the next election, and the less distinct 'lame duck' status. Realistically, his window of opportunity is closing. Now is the time that he'll have to commit to whatever he wants 2007 to look like.

If 2007 doesn't go well, he'll be paralyzed in 2008, and will likely be succeeded by a Democratic President with a vested interest in destroying his work in Iraq.

Following the ISG's proposals to draw down forces, assuming that's what they say, may increase the chaos in Iraq for a time, but it will also reduce U.S. casualties, and give Iraq a chance at jump starting itself. It's a very risky plan. Still, the potential benefits are greater than another year of 'stay the course', followed by the descending flock of election year vultures.

[Lurker]

Funny thing. All this reportage forgets to mention that Jim Baker is a paid agent of the Saudi government.

L

[OldFriend]

You're not a general, you just play one on FR!