This was a good move on the part of the President.

“BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) — President Bush made a surprise visit to Iraq Monday, saying fewer U.S. forces may be able to maintain security there.

“Gen. [David] Petraeus and Ambassador [Ryan] Crocker tell me if the kind of success we’re now seeing continues, it will be possible to maintain the same level of security with fewer American forces,” Bush said during remarks at Al Asad Air Base in Anbar province.

Bush ordered an increase of about 30,000 U.S. forces in Iraq earlier this year and the White House is due to deliver a report on the strategy to Congress by September 15.

“People shouldn’t jump to conclusions until the general and the ambassador report,” Bush said.”

Which is exactly why this is a brilliant move. First, he shows hands on leadership by boosting moral of the troops and the leadership by telling them that they are doing a great job and stamping the efforts in Anbar a success.

This is especially welcome after the visit to the Green Zone by those cry-baby Congress types who talked about “Green fog” or some nonsense like that.

Secondly when the report is released September 15th, he can say, “I was there, I know exactly what the conditions are”.

Well done Mr. President!