Once again the US media misses the key point on the break-up between the US and Great Britain on the Iraq War policy. The over fixation on withdrawing British troops from Iraq has missed the key fact that an additional 1,000 British troops are on their way to Afghanistan.

In his parting decision British Prime Minsiter Tony Blair is leading by an example that the current occupant of the White House has never been able comprehend: the enemy is Al Qaida. The tragic distraction to topple Saddam Hussein left the mission in Afghanistan unresolved. Now, we see the British turning their attention to the realities of the War on Terror, while the current occupant wrestles with the desperation of proving he hasn't been horrifically wrong about Iraq.

Only 694 days until the new Democratic President has the opportunity to set a new strategy with Tony Blair's successor. We know it won't happen before then.