How Not to Win a War

During last week's debate, Bush opined:

I don't see how you can lead this country in a time of war, in a time of uncertainty, if you change your mind because of politics.

Bush's target, of course, was Kerry's alleged "flip-flops" on Iraq. But he might as well have been talking about himself, as this article from the Los Angeles Times indicates:

The Bush administration plans to delay major assaults on rebel-held cities in Iraq until after U.S. elections in November, say administration officials, mindful that large-scale military offensives could affect the U.S. presidential race.

Although American commanders in Iraq have been buoyed by recent successes in insurgent-held towns such as Samarra and Tall Afar, administration and Pentagon officials say they will not try to retake cities such as Fallouja and Ramadi — where the insurgents' grip is strongest and U.S. military casualties could be the highest — until after Americans vote in what is likely to be an extremely close election.

"When this election's over, you'll see us move very vigorously," said one senior administration official involved in strategic planning, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"Once you're past the election, it changes the political ramifications" of a large-scale offensive, the official said. "We're not on hold right now. We're just not as aggressive."

Any delay in pacifying Iraq's most troublesome cities, however, could alter the dynamics of a different election — the one in January, when Iraqis are to elect members of a national assembly.

If there was ever any doubt that political expediency is Bush's most sacred value, this should put those doubts to rest once and for all.

Comments

[Moon]

Now we get this headline:
Insurgent alliance fraying in Fallujah
Locals, fearing invasion, turn against foreign Arabs

I really liked this part:

One of the foreign guerrillas killed by local fighters was Abu Abdallah Suri, a Syrian and a prominent member of Zarqawi's group, whose body was discovered Sunday. Suri was shot in the head and chest while being chased by a carload of tribesmen, according to a security guard who said he witnessed the killing.

A cease fire in Al Sadr, Falluja attacking insurgents to ward off the "major offensive". Still trust that anonymous source at the LA Times?