In talking to Robert Draper for his book “Dead Certain,” the president conceded that his goal was not to end the war or to bring U.S. troops home, but rather, to bide his time. “I’m playing for October-November,” Bush said.

For nearly five years, every defense of the administration’s war policy has been just that, “playing” for more time. When conditions on the ground would deteriorate, we were told we just needed to be patient. When political progress went backwards, it was only because Iraqis needed more time.

Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker will finally start sharing their perspectives today — though they won’t offer an actual report — and the plan, apparently, is to once again ask for more time.

The top American commander in Iraq, Gen. David H. Petraeus, has recommended that decisions on the contentious issue of reducing the main body of the American troops in Iraq be put off for six months, American officials said Sunday.

As Kos put it, "Six months. It's always six months."