Whittling away

It's really quite amazing the level of public debate the administration is conducting over the "new way forward" in Iraq. It's a remarkable performance, such a thoughtful review of policies and tactics. And, of course, after three years, holding off on making the hard decisions for a couple more weeks, until after George has awakened on Christmas morning and seen what Laura and Barney have gotten him, isn't too big a deal.

Tony Snow, the White House press secretary, said the administration was continuing to “whittle away at options” and seeking more information from advisers, but already had a clear idea of the general outlines of his new approach. Mr. Bush also wanted to allow more time for Robert M. Gates, the incoming defense secretary, to weigh the military options he will ultimately have to carry out, the spokesman said. But Mr. Snow acknowledged that the debate continued.

“Look, there is one camp — it is the camp that works for the president,” Mr. Snow said. “Now, people are going to have disagreements, and there may be some areas on which there are still going to be debates, but most have kind of been ironed out. I would not rule out the fact that there may be some discussion on some points.”

"Whittling away." Interesting choice of words.

At least 10 people died when a car bomb exploded in eastern Baghdad, with the blast coming a day after 70 people were killed in a double car bombing targeting Shia job seekers in the capital.