On the surge specifically, Korb calls out Gerecht for saying, more or less, that even though he thinks the surge won't work, it is better than leaving. Korb jumps on this:

In light of the reality on the ground, I fail to see how staying on the current course does anything to change this. You could argue that the situation would become worse if we pull out immediately. But few, and certainly not I, are suggesting we do that--you are arguing against a straw man. We at the Center for American Progress have never argued that there is a "win-win" situation, as you describe. Because of why we invaded (bogus reasons), and how we invaded (too few troops), there are no good options and no guarantees. But we believe that a strategic redeployment of American forces along with diplomatic initiatives is the best and only way forward.

. . . The cold truth is that the only ones who can solve the problems of Iraq are the Iraqis themselves. The United States should try to facilitate a reconciliation, but, ultimately, if the Shia and Sunnis cannot agree on what the new Iraq should look like, there is little the U.S. government can do, no matter how long we stay. This is tragic, but it is true. And I acknowledge there is a good chance that even this effort will fail.

That is why it is also necessary for the United States to engage in a simultaneous "diplomatic surge" in the region in an effort to mitigate the fallout. In addition, our plan calls for thousands of U.S. troops to remain in the region in order to deter other countries from invading or setting up terrorist camps in Iraq, because we will have the capability to strike targets inside of Iraq quickly.

Those on the right often scoff at the efficacy of diplomacy and statecraft (this may be because this administration has shown itself to be incompetent at it), but it is the only real tool left in our arsenal. Instead of blaming the generals for failing to achieve the unachievable and crossing your fingers that another general will simply be able to solve Iraq's problems, you should start thinking about what we do if this surge doesn't work? Are you going to insist on sending even more troops? Impose the draft? Please offer us more than just apocalyptic visions.

The whole thing is great. If you are asubscriber, I highly recommend it.