Our National 'Strategy' for 'Victory' in 'Iraq'

Well, the White House did unveil this morning the "Our National Strategy for Victory in Iraq" report.

Greater detail on the report available on the White House website:
National Strategy for Victory in Iraq

The bottom line is that it is not worth all the fanfare; it's very underwhelming if one expected a collection of big new ideas (such as the U.S. switchover from ground forces to air cover many were expecting). There is nothing really new here... In fact, this is just an old document, dusted off for public release now in hopes pacifying Bush's critics, both in Congress and those pesky American people, on the war. Those expecting a new grand plan for victory that accounted for current scenarios, sorry. No such luck.

Not sure how the White House revealing they began working on a victory strategy after the war began is meant to pacify any intelligent person.

And as I expected, it contains no acknowledgement of any of the big mistakes made (an important step so one can correct them and move forward in a positive direction). Nor does it give the impression that much progress has been made so far (one step forward, two steps back). Rather, it does actually come off like something that we should've been reading in May 2003.

I do, of course, appreciate the White House for finally revealing their specific (well, in a more coherent manner than usual) strategy. The document outlines the status of everything, outlines challenges, how to proceed, and (just in case we didn't know) states that "failure is not an option". Sounds like a good strategy!

Mostly, we've heard much of this before in soundbites. From the AP report:

The plan says increasing numbers of Iraqi troops have been equipped and trained, a democratic government is being forged, Iraq's economy is being rebuilt and U.S. military and civilian presence will change as conditions improve.

Meaning- It's hard work, we're making progress, democracy is on the march, and as the Iraqis stand up, we will stand down.

All things we've heard before. Now, however, we get them in specific, strategic terms.

Also from the AP report:

"It is not realistic to expect a fully functioning democracy, able to defeat its enemies and peacefully reconcile generational grievances, to be in place less than three years after Saddam (Hussein) was finally removed from power," the report said.

Well gee, guys, that's not what you told us 2-3 years ago. You didn't even factor in the generational grievances. How long does it take for such grievances and divisions to be healed? Well, if not two years, I suppose three our four will do it.

The report does, however, pinpoint some potential problems- those not exactly cooperative with the new democracy:

The document says, however, that multiple challenges remain. Any support that countries, such as Syria or Iran, are giving to terrorists or insurgents must be neutralized. The Iraqi government must make sure its ministries can sustain a national army. And Iraqi security forces must not be infiltrated by those not aligned with the new Iraqi government.

The document also makes clear that "No war has ever been won on a timetable".

Also something we have heard before. A lot.

Let's just wait and see how this non-existent timetable coincides with the 2006 congressional elections, just like the White House rushed the Iraq war resolution to coincide with the 2002 elections. Of course, I'm sure I'm just being cynical. This administration has been nothing but forthcoming on this war and has never given us a moment's pause to doubt their integrity. [*cough*]

Read the full PDF document here. And let's keep our fingers crossed.