Bush Sets Target for Transition In Iraq

That's the headline at the Washington Post. Can somebody please explain to me how that's different than the timelines that aided 'terrrrrrsts 'n 'surgents' only a couple of months ago?

President Bush vowed for the first time yesterday to turn over most of Iraq to newly trained Iraqi troops by the end of this year, setting a specific benchmark as he kicked off a fresh drive to reassure Americans alarmed by the recent burst of sectarian violence.

Bush, who until now has resisted concrete timelines as the Iraq war dragged on longer than he expected, outlined the target in the first of a series of speeches intended to lay out his strategy for victory. While acknowledging grim developments on the ground, Bush declared "real progress" in standing up Iraqi forces capable of defending their nation.

'Real progress' towards what? The Iraqi forces that are 'standing up' are acknowledged by everybody except Republicans to be completely infiltrated by sectarian milita men. The Police forces too. The British are pulling out 10% of their forces in May with the goal of withdrawing the rest in two years.

I'd say that the Republicans want this war all wrapped up in time for the 2008 elections.