] What happens in the southern Iraqi city of Basra may be a
] key indicator of success, in political and psychological
] terms anyway. The 1st Marine Expeditionary Force may
] capture Basra early, in part to secure its port and oil
] wells, in part to send images of triumph to the world.
] President Bush's advisers have assured him that Iraqis
] will welcome American troops with cheers and flowers.
] Basra is where this vision has the highest chance of
] coming true.

(Its not.)

How to tell if we're winning