Iraq: meet the new phase.

The situation in Iraq has apparently entered a "new phase."

"Addressing the upcoming meetings with al-Maliki, Hadley said, 'We're clearly in a new phase characterized by an increase in sectarian violence that requires us to adapt to that new phase.'"

We're disturbed to hear that Iraq is becoming a trouble spot. As pessimists, we predicted this, but no one likes to be right all the time.

"The adviser rejected suggestions that Iraq had already spiraled into a civil war and said it was unlikely Bush would address with the Iraqi leader the issue of any U.S. troop withdrawals. 'We're not at the point where the president is going to be in a position to lay out a comprehensive plan,' Hadley said."

Strangely familiar information. Question: if the "new phase" happens also to be marked by mismanagement, heedless violence, and near-anarchy, what would be the best way to distinguish it from the previous one?