"Many experts have said that the Pentagon does not have an effective strategy to deal with the insurgency."

Now, someone could make 'em read the blogs. Written by folks who are there, feet on the ground. Get some real information.

"Even Bush administration officials regularly concede these days that the violence in Iraq has increased and that it could, and may even be likely, to get worse still as the planned election there gets closer."

The violence seems to be getting worse as Christmas approaches, Valentines Day, and even as US Presidents Day comes along, too.

However, there are large areas of the country which are peaceful, and the people are satisfied in general. Seem to be places with no American or British troops.

That says something.

Arf