You're confusing political expediency for policy. No matter who is elected in 2008, 2012, ad infinitum, the US will be in Iraq for the next 50+ years.
We still have bases in the UK, Germany, Turkey, Okinawa, Korea, et al. We'll be in Iraq as long as we're dependent on ME oil.
Yes, but UK, Germany, Turkey, Okinawa, etc. are not hostile territory, with roadside bombs planted here and there.