Bush's contention is that the Generals in the field should make these decisions about how well---or badly---things are going; not politicians. When the Democrats voted to put General Patreus in Iraq, they promised to give him until September and receive a report from him then on the situation. BUT even before all the surge troops were fully in place, they renigged and began to break their promise.

IF Petreus paints a bleak picture in September, then we'll most likely have to begin planning a way to leave. But the alternatives will ALSO have to be considred; like what happens then? Will things be worse for us, instead of better?

And I agree with you about the Iraqi people. I'm also disappointed that they haven't taken the opportunity to "rise up" more.

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"This is a time for a national imperative not to fail in Iraq." Condoleeza Rice, January 11, 2007