You Say Turning Point, I Say Tipping Point

'Sbeen a good week, eh?

Zarqawi finally achieved martyrdom, the Iraqi Parliament completed its new government, and oil prices slid under $69 per barrel.

I contemplated the potential of such events to catalyze a tipping point in this stage of the war on terror, noting the self-reinforcing tendencies of confidence and stability, as well as the angst and denial that such developments seemed to be fueling among the nutroots (invariably a good sign).

Amid this sea of good news, President Bush paid a surprise visit to Baghdad today (after faking out the press, who thought they were on their way to a Presidential news conference) to discuss security with the newly completed Iraqi government.  The confidence, goodwill, and no small amount of bravado shed by these surprise visits will presumably only add to catalyzing effect of the recent rash of encouraging developments.

What's more, this week Congress is poised to engage in a wide-ranging floor debate about Iraq and the war on terror in general, in light of the recent news.  Among the points highlighted by Republicans will be a reminder of why we fight terrorists, a contrast of the willingness of Republicans and Democrats to use force when necessary in the war on terror, and a renewed commitment to our long-term efforts.

When the debate takes place, lick your thumb and try to gauge the level of ire among lefty blogger reactions (watch for phrases like "question the timing", "another distraction", and "where's Osama?").  The more fevered the pitch, the more likely it is that we're witnessing a tipping point in earnest.