Iraq and the "new" plan.

The NYTimes points out the underlying absurdity of the likely new Bush plan by using the word "benchmarks" reflecting the failure of earlier "benchmark" agreements.

But perhaps more tellingly, (Reuters) "The Iraqi government expects a "slight tuning" in U.S. policy rather than a major change when President George W. Bush makes a much-heralded announcement this week on plans to turn around the increasingly unpopular war."

Also, look how hard Ray Odierno is working to lower expectations.

(McClatchy) "Military `surge' not enough to save Iraq, U.S. commander says."

(Reuters) "He also sought to play down U.S. public expectations of what could be achieved over insurgents, saying an overwhelming "77-7" win -- to use a sports metaphor -- "ain't going to happen"..... "There will be no victory parade when we leave here. There never was going to be," he said.

(Reuters) "Over time we can accomplish the mission. That time I put two or three years from now.".... "It takes patience and it takes time ... Unfortunately what we're starting to show some lack of is patience ... I think it's too important not to have patience."

Finally, the LATimes has a piece on the administration's prespin. It outlines how the theme of "sacrifice" will be applied.

"Is this a war, or is it not a war?" one official asked, previewing an argument the president is likely to make. "If it is, you have to be willing to sacrifice…. Americans are willing to do that as long as we have a clear strategy that offers a chance of success."

(And, it's very clear that the policy is being driven by domestic politics.)