The Clinton - Warner Interview

"MARGARET WARNER: So is a real change in strategy, at least an alternative, which is not trying to build up or, or create capacity in a strong central government, but going to a different model. Doing a more classic counter-terrorism campaign, attacking al-Qaida leaders and having fewer combat forces on the ground? Are you actually reassessing whether counterinsurgency is the way to go here?

HILLARY CLINTON: You know I think it's fair to say, Margaret, that we have an open mind to any argument that is made. Now I'm sure each of us is entering into this process with our own points of view and our own base of understanding what will or will not work. And what General McChrystal has done is to provide his assessment. We will get assessments from others as well. And then we will hash it out in the National Security Council team and then we will present our best recommendations to the president. But at the end of the day it's the president's decision and I think what we heard the president saying yesterday is look, you're going to have to convince me that whatever decision, is it classic counter-insurgency with additional troops? Is it counter-insurgency at the same troop level? Is it a different mix of troops? Is it a counter terrorism strategy?"  Newshour

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It would seem from this that in spite of all the "logrolling" from assorted COINish generals, COINish literati, neoconish wonks and congressional Republicans, there still is an active process in the White House for policy deliberation.

In other words, the game is not over yet.  pl