The New York Times reports today that senior U.S. military officers have pulled back from the idea that positive developments in Iraq after the election there would allow for a substantial withdrawal of American troops. They also note that U.S. forces may be there for 'several years'. On Wednesday, an un-named senior officer noted that the 21 car bombings that have taken place this month almost match the 25 of ALL LAST YEAR. These bombings have killed nearly 500 people, about half of them Iraqi soldiers, police, and recruits. There have been 126 such car bombings in the last 80 days. How will these developments impact the morale of the Iraqi forces we are supposed to be leaving in charge? Absolute mess.