There have many declarations that "the surge is working" and that is a misleading understanding because it implies the surge in US forces in Iraq is all that's needed in order for us to leave.
Instead, I would say it's more accurate to say "the surge is effective at maintaining security", but it's not working unless you think the surge alone can bring Iraq's political reconciliation. Or, one might say "the surge is working if we intend to stay, but it's not working if we expect to leave". Therefore to declare or substantiate "the surge is working" is false unless you think political reconciliation can be achieved by force. So, I'd like to encourage Democrats to re-frame this argument in order to more accurately point out the need for political reconcilation and to emphasize the fact that political reconcilation cannot be achieved by force unless we intend to execute genocide in Iraq. Apparently, many feel the surge is all that is needed in order for us to leave and that implication is derived from this misleading declaration. So, let's set the facts straight. The surge is effective, but it's not "working" unless it brings our troops home and political reconcilation cannot be achieved at the end of a gun as many neo-cons imply and too many Americans incorrectly assume. Putting this sentiment in a concise statement is sorely needed because our Democratic leaders have thusfar failed to effectively communicate this point. I hope they take note and I encourage you to help them better communicate this point.