After the May 15th Deadline Passes....

[Clarkie1]

What is the plan?

[Critters2]

1. Something to do with the Stone Age...?

[Clarkie1]

2. I was referring to Kerry's Deadline, actually.

Curious as to what the plan will be when May 15th passes and * does not follow Kerry's plan.

Will Kerry come up with a new plan?

[welshTerrier2]

3. you mean if the Iraqis fail to form a real government?

Kerry's Senate resolution called for a withdrawal of American troops from Iraq at the "earliest practicable date" under these circumstances ...

His resolution, if the May 15 condition is met, called for sitting down with the new government to work out a schedule for withdrawal of American troops ...

at least that's how I recall the phrasing of the resolution ...

[Clarkie1]

4. I wonder how that would work out.

What representatives of the Iraqi government would we sit down with to discuss the schedule? Wouldn't we be simply telling the Iraqis what our schedule was, or would we seriously consider their input? What does earliest "practicable" date mean? Practicable would need definition. Also, what if there is disagreement on whether or not they have formed a "real government?"

What if the Iraqis we sit down with say they just need a little more time and ask us to stay a little longer to provide security. Would we take them up on the offer?