The next surge in Iraq

The surge in troop levels that Petraeus asked for and received in order to bring security and stability in Iraq will be winding down over the next 6 months or so. In case you were thinking that, at that point, we are just going to sit back and see what the Iraqi's do, you would be mistaken. In January the next surge starts. This one is diplomatic. From David Ignatius at The Daily Star - Petraeus' plans for 2008, Iraq's transition year.

• General David Petraeus has an enviable problem as he ponders his next report to Congress about the US mission in Iraq. His military surge has been so successful in reducing violence that some officials - at the Pentagon and the State Department, not to mention the Democratic Congress - are wondering whether Petraeus can accelerate his timetable for withdrawal of US troops.