"As described by the officials, the pessimistic tone of the new estimate [regarding Iraq's future] stands in contrast to recent statements by Bush administration officials, including comments on Wednesday by Scott McClellan, the White House spokesman, who asserted that progress was being made." (Read about it here.)

Oh, really? What a surprise! The Bush administration might be less than forthcoming about the real situation in Iraq?

'"You know, every step of the way in Iraq there have been pessimists and hand-wringers who said it can't be done," Mr. McClellan said at a news briefing. "And every step of the way, the Iraqi leadership and the Iraqi people have proven them wrong because they are determined to have a free and peaceful future."'

Yeah. Those damn pessimists in the National Intelligence Council and the National Foreign Intelligence Board. The obviously don't know what they're talking about, and are only out to make Bush look bad. They're against us. They must be evildoers.

I have a feeling things would unfold more smoothly in Iraq if we stopped operating there as though things were working the way we'd prefer them to work, and started operating with things as they are. Flexibility would be out greatest asset, and one which, unfortunately, the Bush administration does not possess.