Whats happening in Iraq is of no surprise to those knowledgeable of military conflicts throughout history. When you put a timetable of your involvement you are essentially declaring your own defeat. All the opponent needs to accomplish is outlasting your commitment to the conflict and a win is secured by default. Regardless of his own losses. And because we now have leadership in the United States that cares more about appearances rather than realities we see the chaotic remains of their ineptitude.