[FRPLG]

I am not a proponent of setting any type of withdrawl date. Although I do want us out of there as soon as possible I also want us to leave it in the best condition possible. Setting a date is just too heavy handed and leaves no flexibility to react to what is actually happeneing. It also, quite obviously, is somewhat dumb to tell those your fighting when you plan to leave.

But as I said I want us out of there. I think a conglomeration of the ideas above may work.

First Thompson's up/down vote from the Iraqi parliament is a good idea fro the reasons he stated.

Biden's idea on the shaping of the government is smart but could be very difficult to execute. Worth a try though.

Obama's thoughts on troop levels are consistent with mine. I tend to not agree with Clinton. I think we should establish several permanent bases in Iraq. I think. I have some reservations on that but again if we execute it right it would be a boon going forward. But we do need to maintain a presense there.

Our main goals right now need to be getting Iraq's forces prepared to take the reigns and on going overboard in helping the civilians. We need to start engendering good will there. Do every single thing we can to make life better. That's where the up/down vote helps. If they vote no then we leave. Plain and simple. But with the caveat that we'll be back if it sprials back into a ottocracy.