Writing is on the wall. Its just a matter of time ...
UK, US's biggest (should I say only), is almost out of Iraq. That puts huge pressure on already short marine force. Bush already had trouble convincing US congress for additional troops. Infact in recent surprise visit, Bush indicated troop pull-out from Iraq.
US during Vietnam era is not the same US now. Trade deficit is 6 times GDP. There is a BIG bubble in the form of Subprime crisis. God only knows how big it is and when its going to burst. UBS recently predicted that 10% correction in housing prices can see US entering recession period.
Keeping these things in mind, any sensible president would slowly try to cut unnecessary costs. If the words of "intellectually bankrupt" Donald Rumsfeld are to be believed, US doesn't believe in "nation building". But would be more than willing to do otherwise.
So, all in all, I think its just a matter of time before US declares that "fragile, nascent" Iraqi army/police is strong enough to take care of their own country and leave behind their mess.
