Iraq: the ‘greatest American military comeback’ since 1864?

In yesterday’s New York Times, Brookings Institution analyst Michael O’Hanlon published an op-ed on the war in Iraq, in which he applauded the historic efforts of his college friend, Gen. David Petraeus:

Are we witnessing the greatest American military comeback late in a war since Sherman’s march to the sea in 1864? [...]

This is largely thanks to the surge-based strategy of Gen. David Petraeus and the heroic efforts — and sacrifice — of so many American and Iraqi troops and police officers.

O’Hanlon joins Sens. John McCain (R-AZ) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT), who are rushing to declare victory in the war, against the advice of military commanders.