-- Can Gen. Petraeus work his crazy COIN magic once again? That's the way this article in the Post makes it sound, what with the "strategy reviews" and "longtime advisers". I'm beginning to think that the average journalist and average citizen's view of The Surge is: Petraeus pulled out Tinker Bell, spread some pixie dust on Anbar, and commanded "happy thoughts" from the muzzeins throughout Iraq. Given DARPA's strict anti-pixie-dust guidelines, I think we can safely rule that idea out.
Thankfully Petraeus isn't listening to Sir Surge-A-Lot McCain and minding his steps and lowering expectations. But that's why we love him, right?
-- Gates: The U.S. is more popular than you think. SecDef gave a speech describing his experiences with the dozens of countries he's met with in his time at the Pentagon:
“Every single one of these countries wants to have a better relationship with the United States, wants to have a stronger relationship, wants to increase our military-to-military relationships,” he said following his address.
Gates said these countries view the United States as “the last, best hope.”
He goes on to say that the U.S. just needs to "open its arms" and we'll have more allies. Fair enough, but you just know that part of the reason we've had difficulties over the past 8 years is because GWB and his inner circle haven't exactly been "international citizens". It's not as if Cheney is jetting off to Milan or Brussels every other weekend to kibbitz with the EC.
Gates has a point, up to a point: I think the waning presence of Dubya and the rising prospect of President Barry O are also helping grease the diplo-skids. (Great name for a band, btw)
-- Here's an analogy I find accurate. Crazy Horse:George Custer::Thomas Ricks:Nathan Sassaman and Ricardo Sanchez. ReadTheWholeThing.
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