Informant38

can't make this stuff up:

Gates said he had consulted with Levin and other senior lawmakers about the nominations.

Petraeus, 55, is widely hailed by the Bush administration and members of Congress for implementing a new strategy in Iraq, including the deployment of some 30,000 additional troops, that dramatically improved security.

"The Senate will carefully examine these nominations, and I will be looking for credible assurances of a strong commitment to implementing a more effective national security strategy," said Reid, D-Nev.

SFGate 23.Apr.08
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That "dramatically improved security" for exactly whom is conspicuously left dangling.
To complete this recipe, right after "30,000 additional troops" you need to add a cup or two of mystery spice. Some of us have said, more than once, that these troops were being offered, cynically, pragmatically, inhumanly, as expendable, cannon fodder.
I am a soused gurnet. Tut, tut...