[Blood of Tyrants]

I don’t think Petraeus agreed on a 5 year time line, but I’ll bet he told Obastard that he wouldn’t take the job unless he could modify the rules of engagement to what he wanted them to be and that Obastard would have to back down from the June 2011 pullout date.

[Siena Dreaming]

The fact that the media is reporting that the ROE's will likely be changed indicates you're right about that.

Concerning the 5 year timeline...I would be surprised if an announcement would be made with the G8 in full agreement without the top Commander's counsel.

[WhistlingPastTheGraveyard]

It doesn't matter what new timeline he agreed to. Once it's changed, the concept of a “date certain” is destroyed. The enemy can't trust us to cut and run when we promise to ever again.

If Petraeus forced a new timeline, any new timeline, it's a nice move. Kill the “date certain” forever and embarrass O with his idiot base in one clean shot.

[101voodoo]

I agree and the 5 year timeline will give Petraeus breathing room while still allow the OSTUPID one to claim there is a planned withdrawal.

This 5 yr timeline can and will be extended as long as Petraeus is in charge over there and should he ask for more time.