Nice discussion of situation in Iraq in another thread in this forum. Makes many of the same points as in my op-ed. In more detail, of course.

Note the trend since the first report posted, the March 2006 "quarterly report to Congress." Toward unfulfilled promise, greater disorder and chaos.

The trend might be more important than any of the specifics.

US Policy, Interest, and Endgame
Measuring Stability and Security in Iraq

http://council.smallwarsjournal.com/...read.php?t=839