Bush's legacy on Iraq

ILLUSTRATED: Bush will run down the military in order to save his personal legacy on Iraq. We must call him on it.

The LA Times has a succinct article on how there is a chasm between the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the commanders in Iraq on troop levels. Essentially the JCS which advises the political leadership on long term military/defense policy sees the forces hollowing out. The commanders in Iraq want to stanch the violence. The key paragraphs are these:

In part, the disagreements between Petraeus and the Joint Chiefs -- and in particular their chairman, Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen -- are a function of their differing responsibilities. Petraeus' main task is to win the war in Iraq. Mullen and the Joint Chiefs have the primary responsibility of ensuring the long-term strength of the military and preparing for contingencies.

But the differences are exacerbated by the circumstances under which the men were chosen for their jobs. Bush picked Petraeus because he had new strategies for Iraq. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates tapped Mullen because of his deep concern for the health of the military.

Basically, I predict that Bush will care about his personal legacy more than the military itself. The key for him and John McCain is to keep the level of violence down until the election and Inaguration. They do not care so much about an oil deal or a political constitution.

We must call them on it.