The question is: "What are the consequences if the Iraqis don't keep their side of the bargain?"

[solara]

Gates has no answer. Rice has no answer other than "We will pressure them to do what they agreed to do" "We will have to re-strategize"

No plans for redeployment, no withdrawal...There ARE no consequences to Maliki and the Iraq gov't if they flake out like they have done in the past....There are only consequences for our troops...we will still be there..shouldering the burden getting blown up and dying..yet again...for no reason and with NO WAY OUT

The House and Senate keep asking this question and there is still no answer.

[Solly Mack]

1. We're gonna invade them again? Detain their people? Torture them some more?

Shock and awe their homes away again?

[solara]

2. I think the answer people are looking for is some kind of a timetable for withdrawal

of our troops. Or at the very least, redeployment. There has to be be some leverage we can apply..but apparently there is not....maybe that is because we really do not plan on leaving the region....EVER.