The Surge worked despite the Democrat's and Obama's comments in particular. The Iraqis have had a real democratic election as opposed to the UN sponsored vote for a slate sham and held corrupt violence promoting politicians responsible and the change in the balance of power was peacefull. Problems and concerns remain, but we have restored Iraq to the point where they can go forward if they have the will. If they don't we can't take it further. We can not afford to be or be seen as an occupying force there solely for our own benefit. Leaving will be proof to all the lying bastards here and abroad that our intent always was to build a democratic Iraq.

With our enormous economic problems we can not afford to continue to spend hundreds of billions on a war in Iraq to increase the odds of long term success only a few percent. I believe Obama will react if things go south based on keeping Gates, but that now is the tiime to plan a pullback as long as things don't take a major downturn. For one thing it will be clear to history that failure now in Iraq will be the fault of Obama for pulling troups out too soon not Bush for getting us in an "unwinnable war". We also clearly need more troups in Afghanistan where Obama correctly points out we took our eyes off the ball.

Regards,
Mark