Iraq: When One Surge Isn't Enough

Despite President Bush's rosy statements that his last-gasp "surge" strategy in Iraq is working, the Pentagon may be preparing to send several thousand more troops on top of the 21,500 already in country or on their way.

Gordon England, a deputy secretary of defense, has told the House Budget Committee that commanders are requesting reinforcements beyond the personnel already earmarked for the three-week-old Baghdad security sweep.

Said England:

"At this point, our expectation is the number of . . . troops could go above 21,500 by about 4,000, maybe as many as 7,000."

More here.