A Chequer-Board of Nights and Days

I applaud the Administration for having made the military personnel changes outlined here. David Petraeus is an excellent choice to be the on-the-ground commander in Iraq. His appointment reassures that American forces will begin to focus strongly on counterinsurgency tactics and Petraeus's past track record in Iraq indicates quite strongly that he is the best commander to help bring about a sense of stability and security in Iraq. Here's hoping that we see some success as a result of Petraeus's appointment, and that such success comes quite soon. But we should be patient in giving Petraeus time to adjust to his new role and to bring about some results. Much as I respect and admire his skills and his approach to implementing counterinsurgency tactics, I fear that the political environment may place impossible short term demands on him.