After relentlessly blasting Democrats for supposedly wanting to "cut and run" from Iraq, it turns out that the Bush Administration has a plan to...well, "cut and run" from Iraq. According to the New York Times:
...after criticizing Democratic lawmakers for trying to legislate a timeline for withdrawing troops, skeptics say, the Bush administration seems to have its own private schedule, albeit one that can be adjusted as events unfold.If executed, the plan could have considerable political significance. The first reductions would take place before this fall's Congressional elections, while even bigger cuts might come before the 2008 presidential election.
So, there you have it. Not only does the Bush Administration have a plan to get the hell out of Iraq, while they pound Democrats for even suggesting such a (supposedly) traitorous concept, but the Bush plan is largely driven by political calculations, not by the military situation on the ground in Iraq.
Well, ain't that just wonderful. Let's review. First, the Bush Administration lies (about Saddam's ties to 9/11, about Iraq's possession of WMS, etc.) to get us into Iraq in the first place. Next, they repeatedly declare "mission accomplished," even as the situation gets worse and worse. Finally, they excoriate Democrats for suggesting a timetable to get out of Iraq, even while secretly planning to do just that themselves, and in a way so as to accrue the maximum political benefit to themselves.
These people have no shame.
[UPDATE: Not surprisingly, Democrats are not happy about being criticized for adovcating something very similar to what the Bush Administration appears to be plannin in Iraq - drawdown of US forces sooner rather than later.]
Of course, this isn't something that you try to reason with. It's clear that politics in the U.S. are influencing policy at the Pentagon.
Still it's good to hear that some of our troops will soon be out of harms way. That's what's most important.