Potential Troop Pullback Could Happen Soon

From the Los Angeles Times:

"Intent on demonstrating progress in Iraq, the top U.S. general there is expected by Bush administration officials to recommend removing American troops soon from several areas where commanders believe security has improved, possibly including Al Anbar province.

According to the officials, Gen. David H. Petraeus is expected to propose the partial pullback in his September status report to Congress, when both the war's critics and supporters plan to reassess its course. Administration officials who support the current troop levels hope Petraeus' recommendations will persuade Congress to reject pressure for a major U.S. withdrawal.

The expected recommendation would authorize U.S. commanders to withdraw troops from places that have become less violent and turn over security responsibilities to Iraqi forces."

If General Petraeus could call for partial pullbacks, that would be a good sign that the surge is having the exact effect we are seeking. However, we should be careful to temper our expectations on the general's report. We could set our expectations beyond the realities on the ground.

We need to be careful to be optimistic, but with realistic expectations. Any other view would be imprudent.