Is George Bush trying to play both ends against the middle?

Question

Okay, we know that the end of September will bring a new round of arguing over the war. Eleven Republicans have given Bush notice that the White House is no longer credible about Iraq, and that if the surge doesn't show signs of succeeding by then they can no longer support him. We're also waiting to hear what Petraeus says about the surge in September.

Bush says that we need to expect increased violence over the summer in Iraq as well, so don't get all excited about it, it's part of the solution. It seems as though he has set this up so either way he can continue the war as is. If there is increased violence through September and Petraeus reports that means the surge is working then we should just accept that and Bush goes on with his plans for an unending stay in Iraq. If instead the violence decreases and he points to THAT saying "Hey see the surge is working," then he goes on with his plans for an unending stay in Iraq. Sort of has both angles covered doesn't he?

The only difference would be if Petraeus comes back and says "Hey, it's not working, let's give it up." What military general is going to ever say that? It goes against their very grain, they never say die.

Thanks for the answer Henry. Why is it that when you ask a legitimate question about Bush in YA, not anything based on calling conservatives or liberals names it's gets ignored? Has this site completely turned into nothing but a playpen for name-calling? It seems no one really wants to ever actually discuss serious issues at all if they can't throw mud at the same time. :(

Answer 1

Sneaky isn't he? Maybe he can be foiled in some way. We'll wait until September.

Answer 2

No, I think Bush is trying to play to the middle except for on the war in Iraq.