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War Czar: "Too Soon to Tell the Outcome" of the Surge

Lieutenant General Doug Lute is before the Senate Armed Services Committee right now to become the president's "war czar," coordinating interagency efforts to support the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Lute, famously, dissented from the surge. But in his written statement addressing the committee's advance policy questions he gives a rather diplomatic answer about the surge's progress (pdf).

I participated in the policy review prior to the President's decision to adjust course in January 2007. During the review I registered concerns that a military "surge" would likely have only temporary and localized effects unless it were accompanied by counterpart "surges" by the Iraqi Government and other, non-military, agencies of the US Government. I also noted that our enemies in Iraq have, in effect, "a vote" and should be expected to take specific steps to counter our efforts. The new policy took such concerns into account. It is too soon to tell the outcome.

Comments (5)

gonzone wrote on June 7, 2007 10:17 AM:

I have observed a surge in dead troops so there's that result. Can Cheney characterize that as "successful?"

Richard L. Adlof wrote on June 7, 2007 10:52 AM:

Lute is correct. There are a lot of shades of gray between dismal failure and total cluster-fuck. We won't know for eighteen months or so.

Stranger wrote on June 7, 2007 11:55 AM:

Shorter Lute: I elect to punt.

Mock Turtle wrote on June 7, 2007 12:41 PM:

When will we know whether the surge is working? asked Alice.
Not before we have won the war, said the White Rabbit.
When will we know when we have won the war? Alice persisted.
When we have control of the oil, said the Mad Hatter.
What does oil have to do with it? wondered Alice.
Stupid question, said the Queen of Hearts. Off with her head.

Richard L. Adlof wrote on June 7, 2007 1:48 PM:

Mock Turtle @ June 7, 2007 12:41 PM,

Good summarizing . . .

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