[Vision2020] Source: Iraq panel to advise gradual U.S. pullback

[Tom Hansen]

>From CNN at www.cnn.com -

It appears now that Bush, Cheney and Rove are the sole remaining holdouts as
they pursue their "stay the course" tactics.

"Other officials who have been in on the Baker-Hamilton meetings told CNN
that published reports suggesting deep divisions on the commission are off
the mark. One official said he was "struck by the fact there did not seem to
be two different sides" between the Democrats and Republicans on the study
group."

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Source: Iraq panel to advise gradual U.S. pullback

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Following an intense assessment of U.S. policies in the
war in Iraq, the Iraq Study Group will recommend that a "gradual but
meaningful" reduction of U.S. troops begin "relatively early in the New
Year," a source familiar with the group's deliberations told CNN.

The language in the report -- which was compiled at the urging of Congress
-- is being fine-tuned before it is presented to President Bush next
Wednesday, but according to the source the work on the findings is basically
done.

In the bipartisan panel's view, Bush needs to insist on implementing strict
timetables for Iraqi improvements and communicate to Iraqi Prime Minister
Nuri al-Maliki that there will be substantial troop reductions beginning in
January.

While not providing a specific timetable for withdrawal -- which Bush
opposes -- the group suggests major combat units be deployed "over time" to
what the source described as "out of the bull's eye."

Following the mid-term elections, Democratic members of the panel were
pushing for specifics on the pullout, but to get a consensus the group did
not provide exact dates, the source said.

The report also recommends emphasizing training efforts led by Iraqi and
U.S. troops and less focus on combat operations.

The source said the group's deliberations reflect a "consensus that was not
easily reached" but a report that all members were comfortable with.

The study group is chaired by former Democratic Rep. Lee Hamilton and former
U.S. Secretary of State James Baker, a Republican.

Two officials close to the group said that Baker and Hamilton will brief
Bush next Wednesday about their findings, followed by a briefing of
congressional leaders of both parties.

Other officials who have been in on the Baker-Hamilton meetings told CNN
that published reports suggesting deep divisions on the commission are off
the mark. One official said he was "struck by the fact there did not seem to
be two different sides" between the Democrats and Republicans on the study
group.

"They seemed to be working together -- a bipartisan spirit," the official
said.

White House Press Secretary Tony Snow said the group's report is "one of
many analyses now under way" and said the president has noted while it
"provides an important set of views and data" it is not necessarily "a
blueprint for future action."

Snow added that Bush has instructed the National Security Council and the
Pentagon to perform comprehensive reviews as well.

"I want to hear all advice before I make a decision," Bush said at a dual
news conference with al-Maliki in Jordan Thursday morning. "It's about
adjustments in Iraq to help this government succeed."

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Seeya round town, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

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"In America, anybody can become president.  
That's one of the risks you take . . ."

- Adlai Stevenson

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