A story in the International Herald Tribute describes the new deployment approach of soldiers in Iraq. Everything will be lower profile, from location of bases to equipment displayed. The new wave of soldiers is even being taught something about the cultural mores of the Iraqis.

This news sparks a bunch of reactions. First, it's about time! If you want to be perceived as a liberator, it's best to act like a liberator by at least appearing to respect the ways of the natives.

It also appears to be a smack at the Rumsfeld et al light and nimble, quick in and out, slam bang thank ya ma'am school of imperialism. I'm confident, however, that Rummy will be able to spin the blame onto the old-school methods of massive deployment while still supporting the universal military disdain for peace-making.

Most importantly, it signals the final movement of Rove's strategy to clear the decks by the fall. Cede the messy central zones to the UN, and slink away into the night from the perimeter. By the time most voters focus, we will be greeted with Mission Accomplished II. Caesar returns victorious, though of course he never went in the first place.

And they say that Wag the Dog was about Clinton's machinations.