Bush to talk pullout on Wednesday - LATimes

I doubt there's been a substantial change in the last two weeks in the numbers, readiness or ability to "stand up" by the local Iraqi forces, but Bush is indeed talking about "standing down."

President Bush will give a major speech Wednesday at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., in which aides say he is expected to herald the improved readiness of Iraqi troops, which he has identified as the key condition for pulling out U.S. forces.

So is President Bush preparing to "surrender to terrorists"? (Scott McClellan's written description of discussing withdrawal "on the eve of an historic democratic election in Iraq." DATED NOV. 17)

I couldn't be happier at the probable result of this sea change, fewer American deaths in Iraq, but I just can't let the dishonesty of it pass by.

Of course, there is the possibility that this "politics led withdrawal," if not joined with less geographic resposibility or a significant change in tactics, will leave the troops in Iraq further undermanned and exposed to more casualties and deaths.