The key is preparing the Iraqis during the current phase of the war to fight in the next phase without our full combat power and instead use a half dozen or more brigades as a reserve force and to deter Iran and Syria from intervening. Our special forces and advisors would work directly with the Iraqis while we provide logistic, intelligence, surveillance, medical, and firepower support. Other advisors would work to strengthen the economy and government. Jobs and rule of law would be the next big fight as the Iraqis finish off domestic terrorists and insurgents and their foreign helpers.
So it is no surprise that President Bush is looking ahead to this phase:
President Bush, facing a growing Republican revolt against his Iraq policy, has rejected calls to change course but will launch a campaign emphasizing his intent to draw down U.S. forces next year and move toward a more limited mission if security conditions improve, senior officials said yesterday.
Top administration officials have begun talking with key Senate Republicans to walk them through his view of the next phase in the war, beyond the troop increase he announced six months ago today. Bush plans to lay out what an aide called "his vision for the post-surge" starting in Cleveland today to assure the nation that he, too, wants to begin bringing troops home eventually.
We've had a number of phases in this war. We've met the challenges thus far and have more to do, but we are winning if you look at the broad sweep of the war.
Don't hand our sword to a dying enemy.
