Just got back from the NAB convention in Las Vegas, but of course I spent at least an hour or two every day getting all the info on the war. Being one of the most outspoken critics here of the Rumsfeld strategy in this war I feel obligated to comment now. Clearly, Rumsfeld is vindicated. The speed with which our forces have all but vanquished Saddam's military is truly impressive to put it mildly. I suspect at this point that many of the "unnamed pentagon sources" so critical of Rumsfeld during the "pause phase" of the war may have indeed been part of the plan of deception to lull the Iraqi regime into a false sense of security before the lighting strike capturing Bagdad. There is no question that with regard to this war I was almost completely wrong in my criticisim of Rummy and Bush.

That being said, I think it is important that we not lull ourselves into a false sense of security. The Rumsfeld doctrine worked this time, but next time might not be so easy. Potential enemies will take note of our strategy and devise ways to defeat it. Iraq's army suffered from 12 years of sanctions and was low on spare parts as well as morale. A more advanced foe might not fall so easily and not having reserve forces near at hand could lead to a disaster. Also, smaller-faster-deadlier might not be as effective against massive forces such as the Chinese.

But clearly, the plan worked and while there is still a mess to clean up it is not unexpected and the groundwork is already being laid to put Iraq back on its feet. Good job by the Administration here.