The Great Strategerist Formulates a New Plan

Relax, he's not there yet. But, according to the man who calls himself "The Decider", George W. Bush, he's making real progress toward devising a new Iraq strategy. President Bush and his brain trust are working hard - real hard - on this problem at his ranch in Crawford, Texas. No word yet on whether Bush intends to return to Washington.

According to the Associated Press, Bush identified the focus of his deliberations:

"We've got more consultation to do until I talk to the country about the plan," he said. "The key to success in Iraq is to have a government that's willing to deal with the elements that are trying to prevent this young democracy from succeeding."

That's the key alright. The trick is what to do with a government that comprises the very "elements that are trying to prevent this young democracy from succeeding?" Hmmm - better ponder that one a mite.