"Gates told lawmakers the buildup in troops is "not the last chance" to succeed in Iraq and "I would be irresponsible if I weren't thinking about what the alternatives might be."

Petraeus says, "We will have to share the burdens and move forward together. If we can do that and if we can help the people of Iraq, the prospects of success are good,” he said. “Failing that, Iraq will be doomed to continued violence and civil strife."

Oh, yeah, by the way. Gates says that if we win, we can come home by the end of this year. What a guy!

"Defense Secretary Robert Gates told a Senate committee that U.S. forces might be able to start leaving Iraq before the end of the year _ if daunting conditions including subdued violence and political reconciliation are met."

If we "won" tomorrow, could we start coming home next week? Nonsense, really. The US never leaves unless it is thrown out physically. Still has troops in Japan, Germany, South Korea, Phillipines, etc. Defending 'em. Against godless communism. Or whatever.

Arf