Artificial deadlines won’t work because, well, they are
artificial.  We do however need some specific and measurable
objectives so that we can determine if we are making progress.  It
also makes it easier to communicate any success to the public.  It
is hard to make the war effort sound good when vague statements are
made, and the only measurables are the death tolls.

The
Administration needs to be specific and outline in detail what our
short-term and long-term objectives are–not just saying we will leave
when the Iraqis can protect themselves.  That sounds open-ended
and rightfully concerns people. 

We do have the potential
for clear measurables.  A constitution has passed and there
already has been a legitimate election.  Infrastructure is being
improved, rights are being protected, schools are open, commerce is
taking place, etc.  The Administration needs to discuss these
types of outcomes and set some ways to measure and communicate success
in these areas.  The President also needs to communicate regularly
and directly to the public.  I am not saying this has not been
done, but it certainly has not been done to the extent necessary.

The biggest measure may be how many trained Iraqis there are to
protect their own country.  The problem with specific numbers is
you are expected to meet them.  As a result,, nobody wants to say
that we need x number of Iraqi police or x percent turnout in an
election.  The Administration needs to communicate precisely what
x is and just set the number fairly low (within reason based on what
should be thought of as a success).  Basically, underpromise and
overdeliver.  Once these numbers are met, then, and only then,
should we begin a gradual pullout of the country. 

For people that do want deadlines, and I understand this desire,
the
better approach would be to determine if our measurable objectives are
being
met in a timely manner.  For example, if our goal is to have x
number
of trained Iraqi police, we should first decide if that is a reasonable
objective that is tied to our national security interests, and if so,
what is a reasonable amount of time to meet that goal.  A
discussion on these types of issues, not rhetoric or arguing for
artificial deadlines, is what this country needs to have an important
discourse on the war. 

Regardless, we do need to stay as
long as it takes to ensure that our national security interests are
met.  All measurable outcomes need to accurately reflect this
primary goal.