Twenty More Billion

No reasonable person expects Basra or Fallujah to be lined with clean, safe boulevards, children playing hopscotch, or Ford Contour sedans.

Most Americans would settle for a reduction in troop strength, a partially democratic election, or even a thoughtful card saying, "Thanks about Saddam." Doesn't have to be something fancy. Just give any standard for success George, Rummy, and you can have your extra billions.

Corporate America loves "metrics" that measure how objectives are attained. It does make sense, because otherwise people keep moving the goal posts. Is that too much to ask in Iraq, a place where our guys are having their limbs blasted off?