So in case anyone is wondering what the "real" situation in Iraq is, and whether the media is inflating the sense of danger and chaos there, or if our government is hyping it up to maintain its "war" rhetoric, consider each visit of high-ranking U.S. officials, as exemplified by President Bush's recent trip. It's always a "surprise" visit. If you don't believe me keep your eyes open for the next vist. Why is this so? Because this gives "insurgents" no time to plan an attack. That shows you you much confidence the United States has in Iraqi security.

Moreover, Bush stayed in Iraq for five hours. Think about that. Five hours. Who believes that this was because of his busy schedule? Right. To anti-U.S. forces in Iraq, it would be the equivalent of CNN reporting Osama in Baghdad. Can you imagine the intensity of the U.S. response? Yeah. He would be a walking target who could not be protected. It only highlights the bizarre hybrid situation of violence going on. It's not war, but it is war. Can you imagine FDR traveling to France days after D-Day? No way. Yet, admittedly, there is enough war to get him the hell out of there once stopping in.

It's also this juxtaposition of war and un-war that keeps critics and supporters off-balance alike. By breaking all the rules, no one knows what to do or say about this situation. And apparently, that means no one can propose any better alternative than the current administration.