roach.... I assume the proposal is an intentionally vague trial balloon.
I think, at the very least, the benchmarks would include those that Bush/Rice suggested last year, but have never been firmly applied to the Iraqi govt:
* reversal of the de-Baathification laws that are widely blamed for alienating Sunnis by driving them out of jobs in government ministries;
* final approval of an oil law regulating distribution of oil revenues and foreign investment in the oil industry;
* the holding of local elections and reform of Iraq’s Constitution
* measurable progress on training and capacity of Iraq security forces
The LA Times has an interesting article: Secy of Defense Gates may not be following Bush's Playbook:
Quote:
President Bush has mobilized his administration, including his top general in Iraq, in a major push to win more time and money for his war strategy. But one crucial voice has been missing from the chorus: Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates'.
In fact, Gates' recent comments seem to run counter to the message from the White House. During a recent trip to the Middle East, Gates told the Iraqi government that time was running out and praised Democratic efforts in the U.S. Congress to set a timetable for withdrawal, saying it would help prod the Iraqis. He reiterated that point during a meeting with reporters last week.
...
"I believe Gates is on a completely different page than President Bush and Gen. Petraeus," said a former senior Defense official who has supported the buildup. "He wants to see some results by summer, and if he doesn't see those results, he seems willing to throw the towel in."
full article: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationwo...home-headlines
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Few beyond the Bush inner circle believe the surge will succeed in slowing down the sectarian violence. Few believe we should begin a phased withdrawl all US troops immediately.
And the debate rages on with no end in sight. What does that accomplish?