A reader writes:

Jonah,
love your columns and all that you and the crew do o’er yonder, but I think
Novak and the rest of the media are being played. I saw a front-page story
on the LA Times (while in line at Starbucks) that cited criticism from
“prominent Republican” senators like Hagel and McCain concerning the
administration’s handling of the situation in Iraq and calling for
“reassessment” of what and how we’re doing over there. Then we get the
Novak line about possible withdrawal shortly after the elections.
Here’s the thing: Allawi is coming to visit with Bush and co. this week in
DC. Therefore, isn’t it very possible, indeed likely, that a group of
Republican senators and Novak’s “administration sources”, i.e. those who
undoubtedly want to see our policy over there succeed and the President
reelected may be trying here to orchestrate the news cycle leading up to the
visit to increase the administration’s bargaining position and pressure on
Allawi concerning whatever is to be discussed/negotiated on his visit?
Isn’t it possible that all this carping and raising possible early-exit
strategy fears is meant for the Iraqis’ ears and the press is yet again
playing the fool by going into palpitations over the renewed fear of
“quagmire”/failure?
Perhaps it’s too soon to tell, by a few days anyway. Nonetheless, I’m
surprised no one’s raised this idea yet; is it that obvious or easily
dismissable?