And then...

The whole thing smacks of political theatre. 24 hours after our ceremony with the Ambassador and the Provincial Council has decided to break off all contact with Coalition forces and the Embassy. My good buddy, Governor Tahan is now making statements such as these. [More stories.] After posing, smiling in pictures, with Khalilzad some of these members have demanded the Ambassador's resignation at yesterday's Council meeting. The theatrics are almost comical. But they're not. The catalyst for this was Sunday night's attack. We've been beaten in the media game. The story on the street is that a mosque has been attacked and worshippers killed. The reality is- and yes, this is the reality- that this was an Iraqi mission (with American advisors) to take out a kidnapping cell and save a hostage. And it wasn't in a mosque. I saw Rumsfeld last night say that he would grade our media efforts with a "D or D+". That might be generous, and I share his frustration. It's preposterous to me how this turbo-charged, media-savvy, techno- society of which I am a part can't lead the news cycle. I was supposed to visit the Governor today to discuss our ongoing efforts to help him establish civilian authority over security forces in the city. Don't think that'll happen. I've been told before by Iraqis that they 'never want to deal with me again.' And then the next day I'm having tea with them as old friends. We'll see how this all plays out...