I'll say this much for Republicans: the bad news from Iraq has done nothing to damp the vigor and enthusiasm of their spin. Talking Points Memo cites the following:

At one point, [visitors from Congress were] trying to discuss the state of Iraqi security forces with Iraq's national security adviser, Mowaffak al-Rubaie, but the large, flat-panel television set facing the official proved to be a distraction. Rubaie was watching children's cartoons.

When [Rep. James] Moran asked him to turn it off, Rubaie protested with a laugh and said, "But this is my favorite television show," Moran recalled.

[Rep. John] Porter [R-NV] confirmed the incident, although he tried to paint the scene in the best light, noting that at least they had electricity.

"I don't disagree it was an odd moment, but I did take a deep breath and say, 'Wait a minute, at least they are using the latest technology, and they are monitoring the world,' " Porter said. "But, yes, it was pretty annoying."

Well, we might dispute whether this was, in fact, the latest technology --- though perhaps "tele-vision" actually is still new in the wilds of Nevada. But the guy wasn't monitoring the world. He was monitoring a children's TV show.

This, at any rate, is the Iraqi administration that was supposed to use the security provided by the "surge" to get its political house in order. But never fear, they'll have more time. TPM also notes that Sen. Harry Reid, the jelly-kneed leader of the Senate Democrats, has backed off any notion of a timetable for withdrawal, in hopes that he might get a few more Republicans to vote in favor of a bill opposed to administration policy if it's totally toothless and doesn't mean anything at all.

The willingness of this Congress to effectively oppose any new, ill-advised military adventure, like the bombing runs on Iran that are widely rumored now (though the signs were visible earlier) is left as an exercise for the reader. It shouldn't keep you busy long at all.