Next up from the Iraq trip: this piece, just out in the Washington Monthly, on the political implications of what the surge means for the troops -- which is to say, hope. I didn't expect to see such a massive amount of optimism for the surge when I went to Baghdad, but there it was. Here's my attempt to think it through.

(I should also add that the whole issue of the Monthly is great: the cover package has some amazing stuff from my friends & esteemed colleagues Andrew Exum and Phil Carter; you've got Matt on Bob Shrum; Laura on Qubad Talabani, the KRG's man in DC; and the Boogie Down's own Chris Hayes on newfound CEO affection for government. Enjoy)