The surge was not even being discussed when the Anbar Awakening took place. They were separated by months, and McCain lied about the chronology--putting it exactly backwards

That's the case no matter how much of your typical up-is-down Pug gyrations you want to engage in.

HST-libertarian:

By SEVERAL months and the extra protection of sheiks was only able to be implemented because the surge was on its way. Spin it any way you want but the fact of the matter is the surge worked and the troops are coming home as winners. I know that disappoints you hopeheads but you'll just have to learn to live with it...