"...when I said this last August..."
The Obama visit into the war zones was no surprise. They were well known and expected. What does that say about the Bush/Cheney 'surprise visits' exploited by the media as bravery? It tells me plenty. Of course, this isn't the first time Barak has been to Afghansitan or Iraq and on those occassions there was 'no surprise' either !
The Bush/Cheney White House exploits 'shock and awe' for media attention in an inappropriate manner in order to facilitate 'the terror' element among the American Public. The 'mood' of the USA is more important to the current administration than its safety.