The Andrew Bacevich collection

[tequila]

Our strategy and actions in OIF can still influence the majority of the population to support the effort, but first we have to get our strategic communications game on track, stop politicizing the war, and stop blaming the press and protesters for our woes.

I think the worm has turned pretty decisively on this. Historical evidence indicates that generally it will not turn back.

Acknowledgement of this reality is a must. As GEN Barry McCaffrey said, "US domestic support for the war in Iraq has evaporated and will not return." We have, at most, perhaps 12-18 months before a significant American drawdown is forced on whatever American president is elected in 2008. Pretty much any realistic scenarios for American actions in Iraq have to take this into account.