Pelosi gives Silvestre Reyes his orders

"We have to consider the need for additional troops to be in Iraq, to take
out the militias and stabilize Iraq," the Texas Democrat said to the surprise of
many, "I would say 20,000 to 30,000."

Then came President Bush's expected announcement last week, virtually
matching Mr. Reyes' recommendation and argument word-for-word -- albeit the
president proposed only 21,500 troops.

Wouldn't you know, hours after Mr. Bush announced his proposal, Mr. Reyes told the El Paso Times that such a troop buildup was unthinkable.

"We don't have the capability to escalate even to this minimum level," he
said.