I've just finished the second segment in today's paper, along with an amazing article that details what the CIA was doing during the same time period. I must say that Woodward, who has hated every Republican since Nixon (his meal ticket), has done what appears to be a rather complimentary work on Bush. It blows the hell out of the Harry Buffoon-te commentary, as both Rice and Powell are active part of the decision-making process, and on occasion, making their marks on his policies. And if the Dems had read this prior to the election, they wouldn't have been so suprised at the election results.

And in the second day's article, I only wish Woodward had identified some of the incredibly stupid reporters who were decrying the "quagmire" aspect of the Afghan war.

Finally, the corresponding CIA story is a "must read". The CIA agent's recommendation to ignore the command and control bombing, and just kill Taliban, brought the major portion of the conflict to a close in three days. His negotiations with a Taliban leader to switch sides for $50,000, was met with "I'll think about it". He calls up a JDAM bunker-buster delivered next to his cave and the Taliban settled for $40,000 and all his troops.

As one who had to deal with the Carter-Stanfield Turner days, I can only say "The Boys are Back in Town".