Good morning.

  • National Strategy for Victory in Iraq

    The document Scott McCllelan promised at a press gaggle yesterday morning, A National Strategy for Victory in Iraq, is live as promised at the White House web site. (The press secretary had promised it this morning, prior to tonight’s speech.)

    It opens with a quote from 2003 and defines victory as:

    * Short term, Iraq is making steady progress in fighting terrorists, meeting political milestones, building democratic institutions, and standing up security forces.

    * Medium term, Iraq is in the lead defeating terrorists and providing its own security, with a fully constitutional government in place, and on its way to achieving its economic potential.

    * Longer term, Iraq is peaceful, united, stable, and secure, well integrated into the international community, and a full partner in the global war on terrorism.

    I haven’t had time to read the entire thing, but a quick glance indicates it is fairly comprehensive and contingent on the Iraqis assuming control eventually. The new WH emphasis on this should steal the thunder of the folks in Iraq and in the United States who shriek about a permanent occupation/war for oil/BushLied™, etc,

  • Snarlin’ Arlen defends T.O.

    Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) Senator Arlen Specter, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has declared that the Philadelphia Eagles football team’s treatment of wide receiver Terrell Owens is “vindictive and inappropriate,” and he has threatened to turn the case over to his committee’s antitrust subcommittee.

    Owens had behaved in a manner deleterious to the play of the Philadelphia Eagles, so they opted to suspend him for the remainder of the season. He is under contract and will be paid by the Eagles, but Owens want to play football and be the center of attention.

    Specter offered a caveat:

    “I am madder than hell at what he has done in ruining the Eagles’ season,” the Pennsylvania Republican said. “I think he’s in flagrant breach of his contract and I believe the Eagles would be within their rights in not paying him another dime or perhaps even suing him for damages.”

    But he still believes the Eagles are wrong to bench him. Go figure.