There’s been a lot of talk of Petraeus’s September testimony as a turning point in the war. If he admits defeat, defeat it will be. If he says we’ve won, and it’s time to let the Iraqis stand, then withdrawal will be passed that evening. But if his interview with Ralph Peters is any evidence, he’ll say neither thing:
Q: Now that the surge is fully in place, what’s your sense of the positives and negatives thus far? If you could have more of any one item, what would it be? Troops? Time? Iraqi unity?
A: I can think of few commanders in history who wouldn’t have wanted more troops, more time or more unity among their partners; however, if I could only have one at this point in Iraq, it would be more time. This is an exceedingly tough endeavor that faces countless challenges.
None of us, Iraqi or American, are anything but impatient and frustrated at where we are. But there are no shortcuts. Success in an endeavor like this is the result of steady, unremitting pressure over the long haul. It’s a test of wills, demanding patience, determination and stamina from all involved.
And so the war will continue.
