Decius wrote:

Doesn't this contradict with the Democrat's position that we ought to pull out immediately?

Yes? I would say that's why Cordesman issued this statement ...

The fact remains, however, that this progress is not "victory." Al Qa'ida remains a threat, as does sectarian and ethnic violence not only between groups, but within them. Lasting success depends on steady further progress in political accommodation. Years of additional effort will be needed in which the US helps Iraqi forces fully defeat Al Qa'ida and other extremist groups and establish lasting security and stability.

RE: The Evolving Security Situation in Iraq: The Continuing Need for Strategic Patience