The Calm Before the Storm?

From 2Millionth Web Log

Think Progress links to a McClatchey report about the latest Iraq NIE that's more than a little sobering:

A nearly completed high-level U.S. intelligence analysis warns that unresolved ethnic and sectarian tensions in Iraq could unleash a new wave of violence, potentially reversing the major security and political gains achieved over the last year...

The findings seem to cast doubts on McCain's frequent assertions that the United States is "on a path to victory" in Iraq by underscoring the deep uncertainties of the situation despite the 30,000-strong U.S. troop surge for which he was the leading congressional advocate.

Of course, considering the cost in lives and money, any non-wingnut would have to realize that "victory" in context of Iraq is disengenuous at best, and makes a classic Pyrrhic victory look like a smashing success in comparison. But such is the mythology, which is clung to by some far more fervently than guns, religion, or whatever.

Aside: I half-watched the debate last night--obviously I'm pleased at the outcome, even if it was a little boring...I'd rather be bored than infuriated by crap prattle emanating from particularly Palin, but in general Campaign McCain. As for Johnny Mac, I thought he looked like a grumpy old Captain Ahab: his tottering around made him look like he had a pegleg, and he even seemed to wobble or list a bit, despite being on terra firma.

Well, good--I think and hope. Guess we'll see what, if any, surprise the Rethugs have in these final four weeks.