Our generals up 'til now didn't win. That was bad. Our generals up 'til now didn't lose. That was good.
In addition too little force allowed the insurgents free play. That was bad. Too little force allowed the Iraqis to get to know the insurgents on an intimate basis. That was good.
Out of bad strategy and bad tactics victory may yet come.
http://www.tpmcafe.com/blog/maskins/2007/oct/20/political_notes