All Time High

Did you know that troop levels in Iraq are at an all-time high?

That's right. Troops levels will reach 172,000 by Dec. But never fear, after the magical Petraeus report to Congress we'll most certainly have a draw-down such that the escalation is cut by one brigade!

I don't think it's premature to begin thinking about how the Iraqi's and regional players will respond to another Friedman unit being tapped onto the end of the American occupation. I suspect it won't be nice. And of course, there'll always be Iran with which to pick a fight.

It's also not premature to consider an American reaction to an Iraqi insurgent "surge". Could it be that by spring Iraq will be even further in the toilet and that the completely lame duck Bush will advocate more troops be sent to "provide security", or to fight the Iran-American War? Right now, I'd put my money on it.

And where are the Democrats? Congresspeople are spineless. But that's their nature isn't it? But I do suspect the ignoring of the people's will can further increase the chances of a sea-change in politics in 2008. And unlike in the 60's/70's, the activist reaction to a broken system will be not be a youthful protest movement. Rather, it will be a middle-aged netroot revolution that is more effective at recruiting new/young voters and pulling the levers of power (can you say $$$$$) to effect change. And this may be the perfect opening for John Edwards, who is the only half-assed serious candidate for President who is suggesting we get out of Iraq. John, this may be your opportunity ..... go for it!

If my predictions bear out, it's kind of ironic that the further deaths of Americans in Iraq will actually have the effect of promoting freedom in this country. A liberal backlash against the conservatism of the past 30 years would be a major improvement in the American body politic. It's too bad it has to be earned in an ironic roundabout way with so much tragedy and damage to our standing in the rest of the world.