Who'd-a Thunk It

Now this is rich (and in this case, no connection to Frank of the NYT). Much to my wondering eye there are still some absolute delusionals out there trying to make a case that Maliki's attack in Basra on what seems most appropriately labeled as a mix of al-Sadr's Mahdi army, others opposed to ongoing, potentially indefinite (should the Bush/McCain twins have their way) US occupation of their country, anti-government forces, insurgents, and rebellious sorts in general has been a triumphant success.

Let the record include Maliki's associated ultimatum (first extended and then eventually rescinded - oh never mind) to the rebellious forces. Clearly this was a dramatic demonstration that the Iraq government has come of age. Not.

Yet one more vivid proof of the genius behind the Surge! Double not.

In the desperate attempt to justify what seems at best to have been a pretty serious setback and political black eye for the bush administration and Iraq government, there are some, including Amb. Crocker, who are suggesting the Basra offensive had been undertaken in an impetuous manner and without sufficient planning.

D'Oh!

Where do you suppose they would have come to assume that contingency planning, evaluation of any outcomes other than the most optimistic, squarely facing any setbacks and making prudent course corrections, not to mention looking beyond the next fiscal quarter, were for losers?

Remind me again.