When you do it, it's "cutting and running". When we do it, it's statesmanship.

No timetables for leaving Iraq, declares our George W. Bush! The terrorists would dine out on a timetable! This is why we do not have a timetable for leaving Iraq, even though the Iraqi government wants one (although they have elections too and may be PANDERING to bums who will be killed upon withdrawal[!]). Today, however, "The United States and Iraq have agreed to set a 'general time horizon' for the 'further reduction of U.S. combat forces in Iraq.'" Ooh, this is the ticket. It's sort of like saying "nothing will change at all, and this crap should temporarily appease both of our stupid constituencies," but with a different set and sequence of words.

• Jim Newell