We are told the surge is working, but we can't leave because the surge is working. McCain says the surge is working. If the surge is really working, then why doesn't he now have a plan to start withdrawing troops? or tell us specifically what he would expect the benchmarks to be and tell us specifically how we would get to those benchmarks? Perhaps its because his plan is the same as Bush's, which means we have no plan.

In my mind, lack of a clear plan to get out is a failure, and we should get out as expediently as possible.

no matter who you vote for, the only way we will leave iraq is if we are physically ejected vietnam style.........

Actually no, you have it wrong. The surge is working and we can leave, as soon as we can be sure the gains won't be lost as soon as we do. The difference is you guys want to leave immediately so there's a better chance Iraq will fall into chaos and you can blame it on Republicans for political advantage. Fortunately Obama is too smart to listen to you all...

This is Vietnam all over again. No clear objectives, no plans. Just indefinite occupation.

the verge of civil war in 2006 and 2007 to a far more stable place that is making huge strides in the security and diplomatic fronts. Do you think that just happened? No plan involved there?

Give me a break.

When "the surge" was announced,Maliki said Iraq security forces would be ready to take over in November 2007.

they refined their goals based on circumstances on the ground.

In other words, since we have taken on the responsibility of training them, and they are not ready, we have failed.

They agreed to certain benchmarks for which there was supposed to be consequences if not met,but there were no consequences. I supported the surge,in no small measure because there were benchmarks and GWB's assurance that there would be consequences if the benchmarks weren't met.That's why I really don't believe anything GWB says right now about Iraq.