The Plan for Iraq

Cross-posted at the Agonist.

Could it say anything else?

The classified plan, which represents the coordinated strategy of the top American commander and the American ambassador, calls for restoring security in local areas, including Baghdad, by the summer of 2008. “Sustainable security” is to be established on a nationwide basis by the summer of 2009, according to American officials familiar with the document.

The latest plan, which covers a two-year period, does not explicitly address troop levels or withdrawal schedules. It anticipates a decline in American forces as the “surge” in troops runs its course later this year or in early 2008. But it nonetheless assumes continued American involvement to train soldiers, act as partners with Iraqi forces and fight terrorist groups in Iraq, American officials said.

You will eventually be able to add this to the ever-growing list of failed plans for Iraq. Military commanders can hardly afford to be anything but optimistic, but as citizens, you and I are afforded no such luxury.