[Abraham]

I think that 20.000 well trained soldiers can make a hell of a difference, if they're 'lean and mean' and concentrated in one area (Baghdad).
I get the impression that after pacification instant financial support will be given for economic recovery. If this is done on a small scale and a local level it might win the 'hearts and minds' of the population.
The trick is to show the Iraqi's that there can be a future worth living for (and participating in).

At least the President gave a signal that he's not going to let the US forces go hightailing back to the States. The Iraqi's might understand that they get at least one more chance. And well, a new attitude throughout the chain of command might just work.

Answer to Konovalov: some reason for cautious optimism, if the participants don't blow it the next few months.