Top Commander in Iraq: We Need to Lower our Expectations

Is this the next catchphrase for the Iraq War? And is this consistent with the repeated vow to fight until victory is achieved:

"The likelihood that Iraq is suddenly going to turn into something that looks close to what we enjoy here in this country is going to be a long time coming," he said.

What are we to conclude from this statement? Are they preparing us for a long haul? We have to be cynical about any frankness coming from this administration. It Could that Admiral Fallon is misspeaking by giving an honest appraisal. The last top military man to speak out, General Abizaid, was sacked for arguing against the surge:

"I believe the situation in Iraq can be turned around, but time is short," Fallon told the committee, meeting to consider his nomination.

He sounded a note of caution when asked about the prospects of a democratic Iraq emerging from current levels of violence.

"I think that we would probably be wise to temper our expectations," he said.

Mr.President, isn't this kind of talk defeatist thus emboldening the enemy?