Thank you Mr Folcwine, for bringing this remarkable document to our attention. It is required reading for both critics and supporters of Mr Bush's adventure in Iraq. It analyzes the origins and results of this war without either the Kumbaya handwringing of the left or the arrogant fanaticism of the right: hard realism without ideology or wishful thinking, and from a point of view that addresses national interest and a recognition of the achievable. It articulates some of my own opinions while at the same time demonstrating errors in my judgement that I can now see were shared by both the administration and its critics at the start of the campaign. This man is speaking to Congress now, why wasn't he listened to in 2003?

It is unfortunate that this text appears in an "anti-war" website, where it may be ignored or passed over by supporters of current administration policies. But it it's origin is from testimony to the Congress, this is not blogosphere propaganda. This article changed my mind.

The only issue Gen Odom does not address is "What do we do now?"
For the first time since this mess started, I truly fear for my country.