First it was either 12 or 18 months incountry. "We'll be greeted as liberators", and "No one will be killed."

Then, it was "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED", all major fighting over. (Repeat that to the dead folks families, will you George?)

After that, it was the provisional political process. Just wait until after they for a government to hold elections.

And then the elections. We'll turn it all over the the new democracy, they said. Patience, they said.

Somewhere in here was one of many "last throes" speeches. No need for patience, it's just about won. "Last throes" has profound meaning in most circles.

After that, there was a government formed. Just wait until they take office, they said. More "last throes".

After a year or so of that, they said "it takes time". After 4 years of training, Iraqi police and army ain't trained. Kids have started and graduated from college in less time than it takes for Bush to train an Iraqi policeman, it seems. People have graduated from 4 years of medical school in less time. An internal medicine residency takes less time. Maybe it's just that Bush has nothing anyone wants to learn, I don't know.

Now, there's no talk about democracy, a free Iraq, WMDs, or any of the other nonsense used to justify this criminality. It's simply that it will get worse if we leave. That is true. And, it will get worse if we stay. The situation is lost. The US is in it's "last throes" regarding this situation.

"Diplomat says 'surge' just now hitting its stride; leaving increases violence."

Guess what? If Bush & Co. could have done it, it would be done. It can't, and it won't. It's all over 'cept for the killing and dying.

Arf