WHY THE IRAQIS POLITICIANS WANT A TIMETABLE

They want it because the people of Iraq are fed up with the U.S. military presence.

From AFP:

Electoral pressure seen driving Iraq pullout timetable demands
10 hours ago
BAGHDAD (AFP) — Insistent demands from the Iraqi government for a firm timetable for the pullout of foreign troops reflect huge pressure from its Shiite majority constituency in the runup to key provincial elections.

Analysts say the Shiite bloc that leads the government has had little choice but to respond to popular demands for a US troop withdrawal with key provincial elections due on October 1.

"It is definitely a bid for greater popularity ahead of the elections," said Joost Hiltermann, a Middle East analyst with Brussels-based think-tank, the International Crisis Group.

"While the ruling parties are not eager to see the US go, because they realise they cannot yet stand and fight alone, the people are fed up with the American presence and would rather see the back of them."

From REUTERS:

Iraqi timetable call seen driven by elections
Wed Jul 9, 2008 10:02pm BST

By David Morgan - Analysis

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's call for a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. forces appears to be a potentially dangerous political ploy to win popular support in upcoming elections, U.S. analysts say.

Analysts say disapproval of the U.S. force presence has been widespread among average Iraqis since the widespread looting that followed the 2003 invasion, making it easy for Iraqi politicians to appeal to nationalist sentiment with duplicitous calls for a U.S. troop withdrawal.