Friedman Unit

A Friedman Unit is an informal term used in political commentary, particularly in the context of U.S. military engagement. It refers to a roughly six-month period—named after journalist James Friedman—during which policymakers often believe a military situation can be improved or resolved. The term suggests that predictions or commitments for fixing a problem are repeatedly made within these six-month intervals, but often without clear evidence of progress. Essentially, it highlights the tendency to continually extend deadlines for success, sometimes more as political comfort zones than based on actual developments.