[mngran2]

...said only a small number of troops would remain in Iraq by the end of a prospective first term because al-Qaida will have been defeated and Iraq's government will be functioning on its own

Oh, I am going to get so slammed for saying this, but how many times have we heard Bush say essentially the same thing? "Soon, soon, soon..."

I just don't think we can expect Iraq to have a government that can function on its own in the foreseeable future.

[NormsRevenge]

I just don’t think we can expect Iraq to have a government that can function on its own in the foreseeable future.

—

Quite frankly, I think they are finally realizing that they can call shots and get things done.. and the situation from a democracy standpoint is in a lot better shape than ever. jmo. Maliki is to be commended for standing strong. (Notice how the media does all they can to avoid reporting such news.)

[Polybius]

Oh, I am going to get so slammed for saying this, but how many times have we heard Bush say essentially the same thing? "Soon, soon, soon..." I just don't think we can expect Iraq to have a government that can function on its own in the foreseeable future.

Ummm .... You mean like Western Europe after World War II and South Korea after the Korean War?

Even Israel does not stand by itself in the defense arena. Every major Istraeli war requires a massive U.S. logistics operation.

Operation Nickel Grass

[buwaya]

It seems to be doing so right now. The key is the army, and Maliki has been showing it off. “Power comes from the barrel of a gun”, and it is so. The Maliki government now clearly has the most and best guns, nearly all the money, and all the factions are coming together. Those that don’t are being or will be exterminated.