General Sheehan does us a service today by explaining why he refused to become the nations "war czar" and probably explains why we are in such trouble in Iraq more succinctly than most commentators:

The day-to-day work of the White House implementation manager overseeing Iraq and Afghanistan would require a great deal of emotional and intellectual energy resolving critical resource issues in a bureaucracy that, to date, has not functioned well. Activities such as the current surge operations should fit into an overall strategic framework. There has to be linkage between short-term operations and strategic objectives that represent long-term U.S. and regional interests, such as assured access to energy resources and support for stable, Western-oriented countries. These interests will require a serious dialogue and partnership with countries that live in an increasingly dangerous neighborhood. We cannot "shorthand" this issue with concepts such as the "democratization of the region" or the constant refrain by a small but powerful group that we are going to "win," even as "victory" is not defined or is frequently redefined.

"Strategy" is a word often ill-used when talking about what has happened in Iraq.  As General Sheehan observes, strategy is not merely how many troops you throw into the fight and when and where, but the long term plan that provides the link between your overarching political, diplomatic and military goals and what you're doing with the troops on the ground.  Where there is none, none will be found.