WASHINGTON — Two months ago, the nation's voters handed both houses of Congress to the Democrats in an election that reflected deep discontent with the war in Iraq.
This week, President Bush is responding to voters' message -- by preparing to escalate the U.S. military commitment in Iraq with a "surge" that would add thousands of troops.
That might sound paradoxical, but aides say Bush's willingness to send more troops makes sense based on two beliefs that have long guided his war strategy. The first is that the price of leaving Iraq would be greater than the cost of staying. The second is that the public will accept the burdens of war if convinced that success is still possible.
"Is this a war, or is it not a war?" one official asked, previewing an argument the president is likely to make. "If it is, you have to be willing to sacrifice.... Americans are willing to do that as long as we have a clear strategy that offers a chance of success."
The details of the administration's surge plan haven't been disclosed, and officials say some details are still being ironed out. Bush is expected to unveil the plan in a nationally broadcast speech this week, probably Wednesday evening.
But even before the plan's announcement, Bush aides -- speaking on condition of anonymity to avoid stepping on his lines -- have been describing his thinking and trying out talking points.
Their summary: Bush believes that the United States still has a chance to stop Iraq from descending into civil war -- and, on the other side of the equation, that the consequences of withdrawal would be disastrous. He thinks it's too early to turn primary responsibility for security in Baghdad over to Iraqi security forces, whose performance has been disappointing.
That leaves Bush with no easy options. But one choice that would keep the hope of victory alive -- a choice that has growing support in the White House -- is a surge aimed at stopping sectarian violence in Baghdad, coupled with rapid political reforms and a U.S.-funded job program to halt the growth of sectarian militias.
Officials said the job program, intended to employ young men who otherwise might join the militias, could cost as much as $1 billion if Congress approves it. The administration's plan will also include proposals for increased economic aid that would further increase the total bill, they said.
