That's why the PR campaign is building him up. He will repeat warnings, "it will be difficult going but we must prevail", and "we are making solid gains but it will take time". Ultimately it will be no different from all the other promotion-minded generals who have prostituted themselves into the political process and declared things in Iraq are "tough now but getting better if only the American people will have patience."

"Iraq war hangs on the words of a general. Gen. David Petraeus is coolly confident in lead-up to key address."

Clearly it can't be won militarily. Even Petraeus has acknowledged that. So a troop build-up, even massive, can't "win". Troops are military people, and Americans are not demonstrating the fire discipline necessary for a "hearts and minds" campaign, anyway. And the time is past.

Check the British military experience in Basra, where things were under control. Until they started leaving.

Easy money on that prediction, though.

Arf