A RAY OF HOPE!

(Via LA Times)

House and Senate Democratic leaders agree on a war spending bill ordering troop withdrawals with these provisions:

• On July 1, the president must certify the Iraqi government has made substantial progress on key benchmarks, such as disarming militias. If he does not, a troop withdrawal would begin immediately, with a goal of completing it within 180 days.

• Regardless of the progress Iraq makes, the president must begin a withdrawal by Oct. 1, with a goal of completing it within 180 days.

• The plan would allow some troops to remain in Iraq to protect U.S. interests, train Iraqi forces and conduct counter-terrorism raids.