Cut and Run?

Following is the article from the "Status of Forces Agreement" between Iraq and the United States addressing the withdrawal of United States military forces from Iraq.

I have been quite overwhelmed since reading this document, and just as underwhelmed by the coverae given by the news media.

George Bush signed an iron-clad agreement setting a firm, set date for the withdrawal of all American forces frm Iraq, something he said as recently as this year would be the worng thing to do, sending a wrong signal to the terrorists and so forth. He also spent the entire 2004 Presidential campaign calling Kerry a "cut and runner" for wanting to set a timeline for withdrawal.

Anyway, just read this passage and tell me what your thoughts are...

Article 24
Withdrawal of American Forces from Iraq
Admitting to the performance of Iraqi forces, their increased capabilities and assuming full responsibility for security and based upon the strong relationship between the two parties the two parties agreed to the following:

All U.S. forces are to withdraw from all Iraqi territory, water and airspace no later than the 31st of December of 2011.

All U.S. combat forces are to withdraw from Iraqi cities, villages, and towns not later than the date that Iraqi forces assume complete responsibility of security in any Iraqi province. The withdrawal of U.S. forces from the above-mentioned places is on a date no later than the 30 June 2009. The withdrawing U.S. forces mentioned in item (2) above are to gather in the installations and areas agreed upon that are located outside of cities, villages and towns that will be determined by the Joint Military Operation Coordinating Committee (JMOCC) before the date determined in item (2) above.

The United States admits to the sovereign right of the Iraqi government to demand the departure of the U.S. forces from Iraq at anytime. The Iraqi government admits to the sovereign right of the United States to withdraw U.S. forces from Iraq at anytime.

The two parties agree to put a mechanism and preparations for reducing the number of U.S. forces during the appointed period. And they are to agree on the locations where the forces are to settle.