POLITICIZING THE WAR IN IRAQ

Simply shameless:

The Bush administration plans to delay major assaults on rebel-held cities in Iraq until after U.S. elections in November, say administration officials, mindful that large-scale military offensives could affect the U.S. presidential race

..."When this election's over, you'll see us move very vigorously," said one senior administration official involved in strategic planning, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Once you're past the election, it changes the political ramifications" of a large-scale offensive.

Securing Iraq now (rather than after Nov. 2) means less opportunity for opposition to mobilize, which means less American casualties, which could mean a more stable Iraq, which could mean better prospects for political change, which could mean that those poor kids could come home soon instead of serving as proverbial cannon-fodder. Brilliant, selfless leadership yet again from the President pro tem.