Obama's War Change: Hope for Iraq?

Real-world trials and triumph trump Obama's Oz of words, however. Though antique media have reduced coverage of Iraq -- fewer bombs means fewer sensational thrills -- the people of Iraq and their coalition allies are well on their way to a democratic win over terror. Arguably the win was obtained as of November 2007, though its seeds were sown in August 2004 and the stage set when Saddam toppled in April 2003. The dates are fodder for another column -- the point is Obama faces a reality that questions the theology of defeat Democratic Sen. Harry Reid enunciated in 2007.

I see a situation I call "strategic overwatch" emerging in Iraq in 2009, becoming full-fledged by 2011. "Strategic overwatch" is a limited U.S. and coalition victory -- but a major victory for Iraqis. Iraqis already consider the destruction of Saddam Hussein's regime to be a victory. Iraq's Operation Charge of the Knights (March-April 2008) foreshadowed strategic overwatch: coalition air, intelligence and logistics assets support Iraqi planned, led and manned security operations. Iraqi gross domestic product increases, neighborhoods revive, Baghdad's business community revs. The "Update" video at austinbay.thearenausa.com has a full description of strategic overwatch.

A President Obama isn't foolish enough to abandon Iraqis who've earned their democracy, or to hang the accusation of self-defeat on his legacy. Obama will "change" on Iraq, then claim his leadership -- not the "Bush's maladministration" -- assured victory.

The real rubes in this election won't be the rural Pennsylvanians Obama slandered, the folks who cling to their guns and religion. It will be the gray-haired profs with ponytails, clinging to their cannabis and liturgy of defeat.