In an analysis titled "Upbeat Tone Ended with War," The Washington Post noted that prior to the March 20 start of the war, Bush was largely silent about its cost, duration and dangers, but top administration officials supplied a flood of optimistic prognoses.

Notably, Vice President Dick Cheney predicted that the conflict would last "weeks rather than months" -- a refrain subsequently sounded by other US officials.

"Military planners confidently predicted a quick rout: Iraqi troops would surrender readily, Saddam's rule would collapse and the Iraqi people would cheer their liberators," said USA Today in an editorial.

"Now in the face of fierce resistance, chastened US commanders are conceding that the war is likely to be tougher and longer than anticipated."

"The 'shock and awe' campaign didn't shock Saddam into fleeing; a rapid surge north by the US failed to persuade Republican Guard troops to drop their arms or turn on Saddam.

Instead, the accelerated march on Baghdad left a US supply line exposed to guerrilla attacks that US commanders never foresaw."

The outcome of an impending battle for Baghdad will be crucial for the administration as it "scrambles to adjust its war plans and message," USA Today said.

"Not only could it shape the duration and outcome of the conflict, but it also could determine whether Bush's decision to wage war now -- rather than wait to build a broader coalition -- retains the public backing needed to achieve Bush's long-term goal of a free Iraq."

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