The surge has been a success...

[Contrary1]

al Qaeda is being driven out of Iraq. That's rich, ain't it? Bush starts a war in Iraq in a cleverly designed plan to draw insurgents into that war.

From the Times (UK) 7/6/08: "A huge operation to crush the 1,200 fighters who remained from a terrorist force once estimated at more than 12,000 began on May 10."

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/iraq/article4276486.ece

Okydokey, let's add it all up.

4,080 Dead US Troops
30,182 US Wounded
$435+ million a day
64 Months and Counting

And only 10,800 al Qaeda have either been killed or run off?

And now this:

Al-Qaida draws more foreigners to Afghan war

"PESHAWAR, Pakistan - Afghanistan has been drawing a fresh influx of jihadi fighters from Turkey, Central Asia, Chechnya and the Middle East, one more sign that al-Qaida is regrouping on what is fast becoming the most active front of the war on terrorism groups.

More foreigners are infiltrating Afghanistan because of a recruitment drive by al-Qaida as well as a burgeoning insurgency that has made movement easier across the border from Pakistan, U.S. officials, militants and experts say. For the past two months, Afghanistan has overtaken Iraq in deaths of U.S. and allied troops, and nine American soldiers were killed at a remote base in Kunar province Sunday in the deadliest attack in years..."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25723872/

Well done, Junior; you finally accomplished something.

[seriousstan]

1. Does Obama agree? "The surge has been a success"?

I think he will have a position shift as to this question. He will continue to use the 16 month timetable but now the reason will be the success of the surge.