The after-action analysis on The Visit by Bush to Iraq is predictable: With Iraq Trip, an Afterglow, but Uncertain Aftermath. The issues seem to be 1) will this improve the situation militarily in Iraq and 2) will it help Bush politically?

I would submit that neither was the main purpose of the trip. Is is not possible that Bush sincerely wanted to make a symbolic gesture to thank the troops? I think that it is.

I do think that there is a hope in the White House that this will improve morale, and hence improve the general situation on the ground. And there is no doubt that Karl Rove and Co. see the political advantage of the trip. Indeed, it is foolish to think that any President and his staff fail to see the political implications of everything that they do.