GWB has set the paradigm of a deadline as telling the enemy how long to wait. However, isn't it also telling

Bush wants iraq to become like a post WW2 Germany or Japan, in that those countries become calm and democratic. Since Vietnam it has showed us that occupying a country has changed in the since that everyone in that country will fight to drive us out. Why doesn't our government see this? We need out we needed out for years now. This isn't going to get anywhere so lets just leave.

Not encouraging the Iraqis to take the lead with their own country is a result of the obsessiveness to control on the part of the US. Those in charge don't believe that ANYONE could do as good a job as the USA, so they haven't let go the reins long enough for the Iraqi administration to make any kind of effect.

As for the insurgents...I wouldn't be surprised if they played along with the American plan for withdrawl, and then the fighting can resume when the troops have all but left. Whats a year? They are masters at waiting and patience...unlike the US...

Firstly, thanks for a rational, reasoned question instead of the usual Bush lied trash from the left.

I don't think we should even give a hint when the pullback should begin. I know that sounds endless, but rotations are always happening, so we don't need to telegraph our moves.

Clearly, the left wants to do that, and the al-Qaeda/Baathists, etc. would most definitely sit back and wait to begin what would no doubt be a major bloodbath.

There are indications that the surge is working in the areas we are following the Petraeus hand-book, i.e., clearing and holding, instead of just clearing.

No doubt Iraqis want us to leave, but they also want to be allowed to let their children play outside.

If agree to the MoveOn/Pelosi/Harry Reid/Kerry plan, they will build up their stores of ammo, and go on the attack when we start to re-deploy.

Possibly, the government could fall, Sharia law will take effect, and those "support the troops" dems will have blood on their hands.

Exactly! Bush's paradigm is pure fear mongering.

If they want security they have to step up and make it.

There are two sides there - neither really wants the US as an enemy. They both want something in Iraq. They have to be able to work things out and come to a peace.

Yes. But that is irrelevant. Iraqis would much rather have us gone as soon as possible, and are doing what they can to run their own show. We may be in Iraq as long as in Germany. (Sixty years after the war ended, we still have troops there.)

The problem with this is, there is no reason to broadcast this date. I am sure the US Government is in contact with the Iraqi Government....why must this deadline be broadcasted? Sure, give the government a date, but keep it quiet.

This is a good point..not to mention, won't they always be waiting for us to leave? They can wait 10 years or 50 years...eventually the Iraqis will have to defend themselves.