Augmentation

Euphemisms ruled today while Secretary of State Rice was subjected to a panini grill during her testimony on the Hill today. It was the most painful Congressional testimony to watch since Bobby Kennedy grilled alleged members of Cosa Nostra. She got no quarter whatever, the "surge" isn't an escalation it's merely an augmentation. Unfortunately, the political tsunami brewing within the body politic appears ready to subsume the Administration Iraq policy. Secretary Rice was combative as she was battered about by Senators of both parties. The nonsensical horseshit sold by this Administration is being recognized for what it is - horseshit.

The dismissive tone of the Administration, the "we know better, so just do what we say," has run its course. That day has past. The Iraq policy has been such a disaster that unwinding it almost definitionally willbe a disaster. I don't pretend to have the answer, but what is clear is that the US can not want a stable, inclusive Iraq more than the Iraqis do. As distasteful as it is to many, I believe a multi-lateral approach involving the other players in the Middle East may be the best option.