But We Really Really Mean it This Time!

The AP is reporting that "Defense Secretary Robert Gates slipped into Iraq Thursday to warn Iraqi leaders that the U.S. commitment to a military buildup there is not open-ended." This is the 72nd time this year Iraq has been warned that the "clock is ticking."

When met with mild derision and intermittent giggling, Gates told the Iraqis that this time we, "really, really, really, really mean it!" Gates later told reporters, "Well if that don't get their asses moving, I don't know what will." How about withdrawing troops instead of sending more? How about sending them a bill for policing their people during their little civil war? Hey, here's an idea, how about leaving?