Why the surge is a bad idea

Here is the clearer summary of the preceding post: Like many reporters, I admire David Petraeus and respect him for taking this new job in Iraq.

But the very probability of failure that makes it mensch-like for Petraeus to be in this job makes it insane for the nation to double-down its bets in Iraq with a "surge." Democrats should refuse even to use that term, and instead call it what it is: "escalation." And they should not let it occur.