The suggestion that his successors will have to make the hard decisions on extricating U.S. troops reinforces Bush's image as a feckless son of privilege who rushes into projects, flounders and then gets bailed out by others. [See Consortiumnews.com's "The Bush Family 'Oiligarchy'" or Robert Parry's Secrecy & Privilege.]
Bush's critics also are sure to accuse him of dragging out the war - and getting thousands of more Americans and Iraqis killed - in part to avoid having to take responsibility for his own mistakes. By extending the war until 2009, Bush's supporters also may be hoping to blame whoever succeeds Bush for "losing Iraq." |