The president is gearing up for a major change of strategy in Iraq. Now that the Iraq Study Group has reported its findings, Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman General Peter Pace will provide his recommendations, and President George W. Bush will address the nation next week. Democratic leaders advocate withdrawal, the Iraq Study Group recommends withdrawal within fifteen months, and the military has yet to speak out. But which course will the president take?

At this crucial turning point, AEI will present its own report, “Choosing Victory: A Plan for Success.” The study calls for a sustained surge of U.S. forces to secure and protect critical areas of Baghdad. AEI resident scholar Frederick W. Kagan directed the report in consultation with military and regional experts, including former acting Army chief of staff General Jack Keane, former Afghanistan coalition commander Lieutenant General David Barno, and other officers involved with the successful operations of the Third Armored Cavalry Regiment in Tal Afar.

At this event, Mr. Kagan and General Keane will present the report, which outlines how the United States can win in Iraq, and reinforces the idea that victory is the only acceptable outcome. Kenneth Pollack of the Brookings Institution will comment.