The administration has—surprise—tried to play up fears of the consequences of a drawdown in Iraq . . . It predicts that this will lead to chaos, violence and a victory for terrorists. When we listen to these forecasts, it is worth remembering that every administration prediction about Iraq has been wrong. Al Qaeda is a small presence in Iraq, and ordinary Sunnis are abandoning support for it. . . . As for the broader Sunni-Shiite civil war, even if we improve the security situation temporarily, once we leave the struggle for power will resume. At some point, the Shiites and the Sunnis will make a deal. Until then, we can at best keep a lid on the violence but not solve its causes. To stay indefinitely is simply to keep a finger in the dike, fearful of the outcome. Better to consolidate what gains we have, limit our losses, let time work for us and move on.

Are you listening Fred? Or will you continue your insistence on parroting the Bush talking points as you have for the past 6 years? When will the Washington Post wake up and get a responsible Editorial Page Editor? Until then, it remains rightly the butt of jokes.