More evidence of massive "surge" backfire -- if, in fact, US strategic interests were the guiding concern. What was that rousing slogan: Making the world safe for sharia ... Iran ... AND China?

From the AP:

Iraq says China has agreed to write off 80 percent of its Saddam Hussein-era debt.

A statement posted on the Iraqi Finance Ministry Web site on Tuesday put Iraq's debt to China at $8.5 billion.

The statement says the promise followed a meeting between China's ambassador to Iraq and Iraq's Finance Minister Bayan Jabr.

Gee, do you think they talked about us?

It says the write-off "will enhance economic cooperation between the two friendly countries."

How friendly.

The deal could further push Chinese business interests in Iraq. The China National Petroleum Corp. has secured two lucrative oil deals that reflects China's drive to seek new energy sources for its growing economy.

Onto Afghanistan.