More and less

It is surely telling of some deep, deep pathology that when two of the very few remaining allies in the War on Terror™ are doing two different things, they are both portrayed by Dick Cheney in the exactly the same way: vital allies boasting huge successes. Cheney already believes that things are going swell in Iraq, so the announced withdrawal of British forces from Basra strikes him as a glowing review of the situation:

Well, I look at it and see it is actually an affirmation that there are parts of Iraq where things are going pretty well.

Yes, it is perfectly fine for British forces to leave because things are grand, at least in Basra. But America will never retreat:

I want you to know that the American people will not support a policy of retreat.

Needless to say, I'm baffled.

And today, with Cheney conveniently gadflying about Asia and Australia while the Libby trial is in the midst of jury deliberations, the vice president also praised John Howard's government for not withdrawing their 1450 troops. Seemingly aware that the majority of Australians want Howard to pull the troops and with Howard facing electoral pressure this year to do so, Cheney said that "the whole world" appreciates the efforts in the fight against terrorism. Which is about as bland and meaningless a statement as one could possibly make; the equivalent of lauding police efforts in arresting criminals.

In sum, we now have two equal and opposite actions, withdrawal and continued occupation, both of which are to be praised and indicate that there are enormous successes. Shitting and getting off the pot will have exactly the same outcome to Dick Cheney.