If Bush were smart, he'd take this horse and run with it! Let him say that "democratic Iraq" is asking the U.S. for a timetable for withdrawal (not vice-versa, as the Democrats want) and he's respecting their sovereign will. This would let Bush reverse his policy without admitting as much, thus saving face.
BTW, if Bush negotiated a withdrawal timetable, he would really take the electoral wind out of Obama's sails, plus Bush could pad his iffy legacy by starting the war, and negotiating an end to it. In real terms, it would probably change nothing, as Bush & McCain could later claim that any timetable is contingent on security targets being met, which the U.S. must measure, blah, blah,blah. Nevertheless, it could be one of those perfect symbolic political gestures that saves the day for the GOP. But I think Bush is too dumb & stubborn to seize this opportunity. Conceivably, the Bush Administration could be putting al-Maliki up to this; but I don't give them credit for being so smart, or flexible.
Iraq Raises Idea of Timetable for U.S. Withdrawal
By Qassim Abdul-Zahra and Sebastian Abbot
July 7, 2008 | Associated Press
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