Time to Go

Bush Says U.S. May Reduce Troop Levels This Year:

President Bush today raised the prospect of further reducing U.S. troop levels in Iraq later this year because of what he said was growing progress by the Iraqi army. But he said Iraqi police units need more American help in view of “troubling” reports of abuses.

Timing is everything. With approval ratings still flagging and Republicans uneasy, the Bush Administration needs to bolster support. Tuesday saw the disclosure that the Iraq reconstruction budget is to be cut by $18.4 billion:

“The decision is a tacit admission of the failure of the US rebuilding effort in the face of a relentless insurgency. Nearly half the funds earmarked for reconstruction were diverted towards fighting the insurgency and preparations to put Saddam Hussein on trial.”

The administration has November 2006 foremost in it's mind, with mid-term election that could see a resurgence of Democrat power, if the polls can be believed.

BBC NEWS | Americas | Washington diary: New Year squabbles:

The administration is blaming the messenger for undermining an essential tool of surprise in the war on terror. Capitol Hill is huffing and puffing that it was never consulted by the White House. The New York Times is trying to work out whether to be victim or hero.

Bush, Cheney defend Iraq War, Spying.

Cheney said the domestic surveillance is ``totally appropriate and within the president's authority under the Constitution and laws of the country.''

``This wartime measure is limited in scope to surveillance associated with terrorists,'' he said at the Heritage Foundation. ``It is carefully conducted and the information obtained is used strictly for national security purposes. ... The civil liberties of the American people are unimpeded by these actions.''

Parts of the Patriot Act are set to expire on Feb. 3. Whether to renew them will dominate debate on Capitol Hill this month.

``We look forward to a renewal of the Patriot Act in 2006 because that law has done exactly what it was intended to do, and this country cannot afford to be without its protections,'' Cheney said.