Rather, we must look to Iraqi politicians to set the terms for our withdrawal.

What Iraqi politicians need more than anything right now is to learn to trust each other.

Time and again, deadlines have proved the only way to get Iraqi politicians to do anything.

Iraqi politicians and American officials say they do not expect a government to be formed until the spring.

"The future of Iraq is for Iraqi politicians to decide."

Or would it put pressure on Iraqi politicians to finally reconcile their differences?

Iraqi politicians should be told that they have until May 15 to put together an effective unity government or we will immediately withdraw our military.

"There was nothing to hold them on," the Iraqi politician familiar with the case said.

The Iraqi politicians thrashed out their differences in the most open debate about the country's future yet.

The failure of Iraqi politicians to make more progress is frustrating.