Petreaus charts the insurgency

[Chiron]

It's a shame Sen. Carl Levin failed to take the time to call public attention to Gen. David Petraeus' "Anaconda Strategy" chart.

Petraeus briefly referred to the chart during his initial testimony this week before Levin's Senate Armed Services Committee.

The Anaconda Chart is a complex graphic that depicts an intricate, multi-dimensional war. It's tough to describe even with a copy in front of you. However, the strategic concept behind Petraeus' chart (titled "Anaconda Strategy versus al-Qaida in Iraq") is dirt simple: Squeeze and keep squeezing.

A commercial artist would certainly describe the chart as "too busy," but war isn't an exercise in aesthetics.

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[Darksaga]

The Anaconda Chart is a complex graphic

I think the answer is right here. While it may be necessarily complex; when dealing with people of a lesser understanding of the subject matter the K.I.S.S. rule applies.

[JMI]

Iraqi Sunni Arab and Kurd political reactions to the attacks on the Shia militias has proven to be overwhelmingly positive, however. Iraq has progressed to the point where the political context is the dominant context and a democratic Shia-led government taking down Shia gangs was a step toward national reconciliation among ethno-sectarian groups.

I "think" Gen Petraeus is inwardly relieved that while the timing of the operation in Basra was not to his liking, he is happy Malicki let his balls drop, especially against the Sh'ite Sadrists. Malicki needs to continue on this path so the Sunni's see his non-descrimination. The Sh'ites can cry all they want - if they are not for peace then they are for an early grave.