As The Iraqis Stand Up

. . . we’ll keep standing:

The U.S. Army has plans to keep the current level of soldiers in Iraq through 2010, the top Army officer said Wednesday, a later date than any Bush administration or Pentagon officials have mentioned thus far.
. . .
Schoomaker said he has received no new guidance from commanders in Iraq as to when the U.S. will be able to begin reducing the number of troops there. Last year officials had hoped to be down to about 100,000 by the end of this year, but escalating violence and sectarian tensions have prompted military leaders to increase forces.

Another stirring testament to the success of the National Strategy for Victory in Iraq.
Pundits are often speculating on the effect domestic political statements have on the morale of American troops in Iraq. I wonder how these same troops must feel when they are falsely promised they will get to leave as Iraqi forces are trained. Perhaps it’s akin to being stood up on a big date . . . with bombs and bullets flying about.