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President Bush’s “New Way Forward” in Iraq faces two immediate obstacles that are best framed as questions: Will the new Democratic-led Congress go along, and what difference will the latest tactical shift make on the ground?

Bush is betting that a modest increase in American force and money will reverse a spiral toward sectarian anarchy in Iraq, regain support from an American public that polls show has soured on his Iraq policy and his leadership, and win acceptance from a Congress controlled by Democrats who already have said they oppose an increase in troops.

If his plan succeeds, it could mark a historic turning point for America, Iraq and a presidential legacy built on victory in Iraq and reshaping the Middle East. If it turns out to be too little and too late, Bush’s already weak public support could erode even further, emboldening Republicans and Democrats in Congress to reject his leadership, not only on Iraq but also on other White House initiatives, crippling his presidency for its last two years.

Filed under: USA by lrenz