The Iraq Study Group's Conclusion

You can read the entire report here. This is the salient sentence:

By the first quarter of 2008, subject to unexpected developments in the security situation on the ground, all combat brigades not necessary for force protection could be out of Iraq.

Note the conditional phrases. As I write these words, Iraq Study Group members Sandra Day O'Connor and Chuck Robb are on Hardball congratulating themselves on the splendid job they have just done.

In wishy-washy language, the ISG labored mightily and brought forth a mouse, basically belaboring the obvious and giving Bush conditions he can use to justify staying in Iraq. This is not surprising. In 2000, as James Baker was dispatched to Florida to mastermind Bush's legal fight over the disputed votes cast in that state, David Plotz assessed Baker:

Instead, Baker's legacy is as paramedic for dying campaigns. He wanted to be one of the powers that be. Instead he's America's most famous janitor.