It seems the Iraqis are playing hardball better than Bush expected. Another article at the NYTimes says Bush insists that the timetable -- aka "aspirational goals" -- depends on the conditions on the ground, but the Iraqis want a harder target date:

Bush and the neocon warhawks were insisting that the mere discussion of a timetable was "aiding and abetting" the enemy. Now they're eating their words and the so-called liberal media isn't calling him and McCain on it, even though he first denied Maliki wanted a timetable, then later said Maliki's timetable was good but not Obama's, when Maliki practically said he agrees with Obama.

Also, check out Dan Froomkin at the WaPo. His exhaustive post on this is precious.
Wonky Muse | Homepage | 08.26.08 - 4:01 am | #