Iraq Redux

The on again, off again plan to extend the escalation in Iraq got the green light for extension today when top generals used the law of averages to claim victory for the surge policy given that fewer troops died this month as compared to last month. Never mind that this dip comes on the heels of the deadliest quarter in Iraq for coalition troops. Never mind that it is already the deadliest July for US forces since the conflict began. Nevermind that 4 more Americans died there today since the Pentagon's rosey pronouncement. There are lies, damned lies and statistics. Bush, Cheney & Co are going to use a statistical blip to continue this $2 billion / week boondogle.

Meanwhile Ryan Crocker, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq has testified that electricity in Baghdad is down to "an hour or two a day" as opposed to pre-surge levels which afforded residents up to 6 hours of electricity.