Via the NYT: Idea of Rapid Withdrawal From Iraq Seems to Fade - New York Times:

In the cacophony of competing plans about how to deal with Iraq, one reality now appears clear: despite the Democrats’ victory this month in an election viewed as a referendum on the war, the idea of a rapid American troop withdrawal is fast receding as a viable option.

This should come as a surprise to no one, despite all the wailing and gnashing of teeth a few weeks ago that the Democratic victory in the Congress was going to lead to a radical change in Iraq policy–the cutting and the running and all of that.  It simply isn’t that easy to change course in such a situation, and Congress has limited powers to create such a move.

Meanwhile, the Iraq Study Group is eyeing ‘08 for most US troops to be out of Iraq (via WaPo): Iraq Panel to Urge Pullout Of Combat Troops by ‘08 - washingtonpost.com:

The bipartisan Iraq Study Group plans to recommend withdrawing nearly all U.S. combat units from Iraq by early 2024 while leaving behind troops to train, advise and support the Iraqis, setting the first goal for a major drawdown of U.S. forces, sources familiar with the proposal said yesterday.

The commission plan would shift the U.S. mission in Iraq to a secondary role as the fragile Baghdad government and its security forces take the lead in fighting a Sunni insurgency and trying to halt sectarian violence. As part of major changes in the U.S. presence, sources said, the plan recommends embedding U.S. soldiers directly in Iraqi security units starting as early as next month to improve leadership and effectiveness.

That seems to be assuming a lot:  like the idea that the Iraqis are going to be in pretty good shape by early 2024.  I have my doubts, shall we say.