Bush more optimistic about Iraq than intelligence experts

"WASHINGTON (AP) — While a new intelligence estimate offers a gloomy assessment of Iraq's future, President Bush talks instead about brighter days ahead under a new prime minister and the promise of free elections. "Freedom is on the march," he told a campaign rally Thursday."

"White House communications director Dan Bartlett accused Democrats of unfounded pessimism. "President Bush gets his briefings from commanders on the ground. He has reason for his optimism because of the enormous amount of progress we have made," Bartlett said."

And if the White House read newspapers, not just reports from it's employees, looking for a career break, they would see articles such as this.

Into the abyss
The week Iraq's dream of peace fell apart, By Patrick Cockburn in Baghdad

Arf