Good news from/for Iraq

General Peter Pace refers to a "sea change" in the security situation in Iraq.

Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will be a key figure in offering advice regarding the future of the Iraq War.

(RAMADI, Iraq) — In his most optimistic remarks since the U.S. troop buildup began, Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Tuesday that Iraq has undergone a "sea change" in security in recent months, and that this will influence his recommendation to President Bush on how long to continue the current strategy.

After conferring with Maj. Gen. Walter Gaskin and other commanders in this provincial capital west of Baghdad, Pace told reporters he has gathered a positive picture of the security environment not only here but also in Baghdad, where he began his Iraq visit on Monday.

(Time)

At least one conservative commentator has speculated that conservatives will be painted into a corner come September when Petraeus offers his assessment of the surge strategy to this point.

While it wouldn't be at all surprising for the Democrats to paint the picture in those colors, the reasonable observer should see the sense in waiting for the general's assessment regardless of whether the decision is to continue the surge effort or tuck tail.