Staying The Course, Etc.

Despite news that Iraq has finalized its government, President Bush still needs no exit strategy...

NY Times: Bush Wary on Hopes of Iraqi Timetable for Control

President Bush sought today to dampen any expectation that the new Iraqi government will soon be able to provide security for itself and the Iraqi people and thus allow American troops to come home.

While saying that he is "thrilled" that the terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, "a man with a lot of blood on his hands," has been eliminated, the president stopped short of endorsing a recent statement by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki that Iraqi forces will be able to control their country within 18 months....

Yea, fuck you al-Maliki, who do you think you are, the leader of Iraq or something?

We've got oil to pump freedom to spread and, ummm, permanent bases to build?-

Congressional Republicans killed a provision in an Iraq war funding bill that would have put the United States on record against the permanent basing of U.S. military facilities in that country, a lawmaker and congressional aides said on Friday...

Gee, that's sure to allay Muslim fears that we intend to control the region military.

Finally, the President is going to figure out an Iraq strategy next week. Sweet!!! :-D

[Related- Troop Cuts in Iraq Won't Meet Goal This Year, Officials Say (NYT)]