In Iraq, victory is really a question of numbers, and of time

The Daily Star - Opinion Articles - In Iraq, victory is really a question of numbers, and of time:
Niall Ferguson gets it half right. It's a matter of time. Only.

"history strongly suggests that an American withdrawal from Iraq in the near future would be a disaster. As another U.S. officer told The New York Times recently: 'If we let go of the insurgency ... then this country could fail and go back into civil war and chaos.'"

More troops, which won't help the Iraqis develop democracy any sooner, but will cost more in both budget and American lives, makes Americans less likely to support a longer Liberation operation.

Sugar maples take 40 years of growth before any maple syrup sap can be collected. Had I planted some 10 years ago, like I thought of doing, I'd still be waiting. More or less sun, more or less water, more or less fertilizer. Maybe in perfect conditions 39 or 38 years. But mostly, 40 years -- mostly time.