Sectarian Cleansing and the Surge

Josh Foust passed along this report arguing that "the surge dovetailed a series of converging dynamics on the ground, facilitating more so than engendering a cessation of hostilities." I think this both correct and relatively uncontroversial. I also think the key takeaway from this report -- the we should be very wary of thinking we need only replicate the mechanics of the Surge to be successful in Afghanistan is also correct ... and also largely uncontroversial. I know of few informed people who would argue this, but I suppose it is useful to keep reminding people here in the United States that this is indeed the case.