When it comes to covering the reconstruction effort in Iraq, I'm really trying to step back and be apolitical about it. Because, let's face it, it really is that important. I realize that a big success in postwar Iraq could very well reverse Bush's poll slide and put him back to "all but unbeatable" in 2004. Nevertheless, that's what I'm hoping for. Obviously, I hope that Bush can fix postwar Iraq and that Dean/Clark/whoever can beat the hell out of him in 2004 anyway. But I'm willing to risk having a politically revitalized Bush if it means we get a stabilized Iraq.
And I'm saying all of that as someone who opposed the war from the get-go. So, I guess that means I have credibility, or something.
Anyway, today's New York Times is reporting what could turn out to be a very encouraging first-step. Let's go to the tape:
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