...The generals understand this is also a struggle for hearts and minds. They're talking to sheiks and tribal leaders. They're building schools and youth centers and Internet cafes and establishing women's rights councils. They're repairing power and water treatment plants. They're reopening hospitals and schools. During the holy month of Ramadan, Odierno's commanders will be meeting with religious leaders, repairing mosques, releasing prisoners and limiting patrols of urban areas.

And yet the attacks on Americans continue -- growing in number and sophistication. It's hard to fault Wolfowitz's Plan A. But after the reversals of the past six months, it's disturbing to realize that if it fails, there isn't a good alternative.