The Iraqis are more capable, "on the offensive", whatever that means, etc., and blah blah blah. George's Iraq seems to be in a parallel universe.

GWB speech, 12 DEC 05

"On the security side, coalition and Iraqi forces are on the offense against the enemy. We’re working together to clear out areas controlled by the terrorists and Saddam loyalists, and leaving Iraqi forces to hold territory taken from the enemy.

"And as we help Iraqis fight these enemies, we’re working to build capable and effective Iraqi security forces so they can take the lead in the fight and eventually take responsibility for the safety and security of their citizens without major foreign assistance.

"We’re making steady progress. The Iraqi forces are becoming more and more capable. They’re taking more responsibility for more and more territory. We’re transferring bases to their control, so they can take the fight to the enemy."