Gears have shifted in the recent hours and days of the war in Iraq. It appears that this could be a far longer conflict than the Bush administration envisioned and suggested. Time could prove a crucial factor in this war, introducing a number of elements which may complicate U.S. war plans.

Anthony Cordesman, Arleigh A. Burke Chair in Strategy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, says that this is an unpredictable and highly dynamic war. U.S. troops could end up being in Iraq for at least for a few months.

Guests:

John Diamond, Pentagon correspondent for USA Today

Stephen Biddle, Professor of National Security Studies at the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College and author of forthcoming book, “Military Power: Explaining Victory and Defeat in Modern Battle”

Richard Betts, Director of the Institute of War and Peace Studies at Columbia University and author of “Surprise Attack: Lessons for Defense Planning”

Dan Byman, Assistant Professor, Security Studies Program at Georgetown University

Anthony Cordesman, Arleigh A. Burke Chair in Strategy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies