Costs of Iraq war remain murky.(Perspective)

Byline: CARL LEUBSDORF

The Bush White House is showing substantial adeptness in dealing with the short-term politics of Iraq. It helped to block a bipartisan Senate move opposing its troop increase plan and issued a budget with more candor on war costs than in previous years.

But its moves are unlikely to bring long-term benefits. Senate maneuvering produced unwanted headlines blaming the GOP for preventing an Iraq debate. Congressional pressure to end the war is growing, especially among senators who have to run in 2008.

And the White House continues to understate the war's long-term costs, while conceding that its massive Iraq spending is causing …