[Adam]

Not be be a big Cynic McCrankypants or anything, but as far as I can tell, The Surge is a rollicking success.

Remember, The Surge was announced in a political climate where the idea that the US should begin planning to withdraw troops from Iraq in the near to mid term was becoming popular. It was an effective excuse to demand yet another Friedman Unit or two from the public before we seriously contemplated withdrawal. So, given that the unspoken goal of The Surge was to stave off demands that the US leave Iraq? Mission accomplished.