"Mission accomplished"

Reuters reports Sunday afternoon that the US military has declared victory over the forces of the evil madman Gadhafi. Accordingly, they will hand over the mopping up to France ... or Britain ... or NATO ... or Canada ... or whoever wants to jump on top of the dogpile.

Vice-Admiral "Duck" Bill Gortney told reporters in Tripoli [errr... possibly Washington. Ed.] that Western strikes on Libyan air defenses over the past two days had crippled our former friend’s capability to launch airplanes and detect foreign aircraft.

“We judge these strikes to have been very effective in significantly degrading the regime’s air defence capability,” Gortney said. He is thought to have meant that the Libyans are huddling in bunkers washing out their underwear, and are therefore looking down, not up.

Meanwhile, Colonel Gadfly has appeared on TV to say he's a damn sight tougher than Obama Hussein [Saddam Hussein, surely! Ed.], so won't be bleaching the green flag white anytime soon.

Walt is reminded of Dubya's famous "mission accomplished" speech on Mayday [not May Day? Ed.] 2003. It wasn't until the end of October of that year that the White House acknowledged its embarrassment. Walt stands by his prediction.

Footnote: The use of "Mayday" as a one-word plea for help comes from the French "M'aidez!", meaning "Help me!" You're welcome.