One and a half wars

The NYTimes has a piece titled, "U.S. Considers Increasing Pace of Iraq Pullout," but the reality is not quite as big as the headline.

Although no decision has been made, by the time President Bush leaves office on Jan. 20, at least one and as many as 3 of the 15 combat brigades now in Iraq could be withdrawn or at least scheduled for withdrawal, the officials said......

The most optimistic course of events would still leave 120,000 to 130,000 American troops in Iraq.....

But, the important bit is that this is being driven by the rapidly spiraling situation in Afghanistan/Pakistan as much as the "events on the ground" in Iraq.

One factor in the consideration is the pressing need for additional American troops in Afghanistan, where the Taliban and other fighters have intensified their insurgency and inflicted a growing number of casualties on Afghans and American-led forces there.

More American and allied troops died in Afghanistan than in Iraq in May and June, a trend that has continued this month.

(And, just as a reminder, Petraeus just got his Senate confirmation to move up to CentCom commander in September. Afghanistan will soon be his problem.)