Did Petreaus have any other choice but to appear before Congress in Class A's (with shiny medals)? Did you really think he could just stride in wearing ACUs? If it had been me I would have because I'd make the point we're actually at war and maybe "business as usual" wasn't acceptable. This sadly was American politic theater and both sides played their parts. The only difference is the General and Ambassador go back to spend months on ground while Washington continues to live in its own fantasy world.

Neither the opposition nor the administration seem to have any grown-ups. That doesn't bode well for country, especially as the election cycle has started. Both sides have now soldified and barring something truly significant (Iran is the wildcard) this will now be driven by the General until January 2009. He'll set troop levels, tactics, etc. The civilian leadership has surrendered... Its his to win or lose.

Yes, the Senators bloviated (shocking!). But there was little or no value to the testimony.

Now compared to the bloviating by both House and Senate he came away looking good. But as that one Republican Senator did note right after Obama finally stopped his sermon, "this is really about hearing ourselves talk and not hearing what the witnesses say."

Nothing in the report surprised me. I worked with Petraeus so I knew he was a class act. I look at the March report as the one which will say whether we stay in or fold the cards. Frankly by then we will know if trends are positive, negative, or just going sideways. If he reports that one straight then we'll have answer to whether he's another Westy or Marshall.

I thought till this past week it was only a loony few amongst the anti-war movement who hated us. But after the MoveOn.org ads and the defacing of the Viet Name memorial I am left wondering when I or others now serving will be called a baby killer or spit on. I used to be amazed at the Viet Nam vets I served with and their venom towards some in that anti-war movement. Only now have I begun to understand. Sad because I thought we would have learned but I guess it takes only 5 years to hate the officer corps. means the troops can't be far behind.

Petraeus has welcomed the opportunity, however. If he can somehow pull it off, the rewards are high.

....the deaths will be too, and the numbers wounded, and the families displaced, and for what? We already know troop numbers must be reduced in July, and if 160,000 troops can't create the magical 'breathing space' war supporters are so found of mentioning as the ultimate mission, how can 130,000?

It seems to me his job now is to keep the surge going until Bush is gone. That's not an opportunity, its a disgrace.