Strategy

Am I being an overly-pessimistic, anti-administration, conspiracy theorist, or does anyone else think the announcement of "ambitious" troop withdrawals from Iraq reeks of opportunistic political strategy? Of course, July's death count of invading forces is quite low (and what of Iraqi deaths I wonder?) and we do "need" more troops in Afghanistan now that the Taliban is coming back with a vengeance (there's also the whole Iran pink elephant), but it is quite convenient, is it not? Not only will the announcement (regardless of actual reality) create the impression that the "plan" (or, really, complete lack there-of) is working and bolster votes for McCain, if it actually does happen as announced, Bush maye even be able to leave office with an "I told you so!"

Check it.