Iraq Serge

Emily Litella: I just don't understand all the fuss over Iraq producing silky fabric - I mean, shouldn't we be promoting economic development in Iraq? And serge suits are really quite lovely. Think of all the Iraqis who would be out of work if we stopped them from manufacturing serge...

Anchorman: Uh, Emily... that's 'surge' as in 'surging ahead,' not 'serge' as in twill fabric with diagonal lines or ridges on both sides.

Emily: Oh.... never mind!

Unfortunately, our assorted politicos and media worthies have even less understanding of the state of The Surge than Ms. Litella.

Among Top Officials, 'Surge' Has Sparked Dissent, Infighting - washingtonpost.com

For two hours, President Bush listened to contrasting visions of the U.S. future in Iraq. Gen. David H. Petraeus dominated the conversation by video link from Baghdad, making the case to keep as many troops as long as possible to cement any security progress. Adm. William J. Fallon, his superior, argued instead for accepting more risks in Iraq, officials said, in order to have enough forces available to confront other potential threats in the region.

The polite discussion in the White House Situation Room a week ago masked a sharper clash over the U.S. venture in Iraq, one that has been building since Fallon, chief of the U.S. Central Command, which oversees Middle East operations, sent a rear admiral to Baghdad this summer to gather information. Soon afterward, officials said, Fallon began developing plans to redefine the U.S. mission and radically draw down troops.

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