Surge Reduction Fans Political Flames

President Bush addressed the nation on Iraq last night -- his eighth installment on the ongoing war. The American people have heard a stream of edicts on Iraq over the last 4½ years: "mission accomplished," "the insurgency is in its final throes," the "surge is working," and now the "return on success." After considering all this, the term "quagmire" needn't be applied only to the progress of the war, but can also be attached to the political and economic impact of this latest iteration.

The president's position on Iraq has been unpopular for years and his approval ratings stand in the low 30s. But the president has forged on and ignored public disregard for the effort. Will he be able to continue his war in Iraq, or can the Democrats in Congress stop him?

The president did tonight what any good used-car salesman would do: He painted a pretty picture in the hope that nobody notices what is under the hood. When he spoke on Iraq on Jan. 10, the president announced a strategy called the "surge" -- an increase in U.S. troops to create an environment for political reconciliation in Iraq.

Technically, the "surge" has failed. The president never discussed his initial reason for the "surge." He instead focused on the gains made by the military. He proudly touts the success of improved security in the Anbar Province and Baghdad against al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI).