"Far removed from the military and political squabbles rocking Israel, something has changed in the way Washington leaders are assessing the outcome of the Lebanon war. The war is no longer seen as a "failure," but as an "achievement" and even a "success." The terms are still cautious, but American diplomats are describing the progress in Lebanon optimistically. A senior State Department official told Haaretz on Wednesday that U.S. President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's promises to change the status quo were fast becoming a reality. There is a chance to change the atmosphere, he said."" (Are you surprised? I mean, why is Haaretz surprised? These are the same diplomats and "Washington leaders" who are still talking about the Iraq debacle as a "great success." So Israel is now enjoying its success. OK).