THE DEADLINE NEARS - AT 8:14 A.M. ET:  It doesn't seem to register with the American public, possibly because the press hasn't emphasized it, but this is a momentous week in Iraq, and for the American effort there.  Our forces have until tomorrow to withdraw from major urban centers.  We are getting some reassurance from our commander, but concern is still in order:

Gen. Ray Odierno, the American commander in Iraq, said Sunday that Iraq’s military and police units were ready to operate on their own, ahead of Tuesday’s deadline for the withdrawal of American combat troops from the country’s cities and towns.

“I do believe they’re ready,” General Odierno said from Baghdad on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “They’ve been working towards this for a long time. And security remains good.”

American troop strength is scheduled to stay at roughly 130,000 until September, with most of the forces living in operating bases away from cities, military officials say. The Iraqis will be able to call on American support if needed.

There's been an upsurge in terror attacks in Iraq as the deadline nears:

The deadline for the pullout from cities has concerned some Iraqi officers and provoked uncertainty among Iraqis who worry that the withdrawal of American troops will invite more violence.

COMMENT:  This is another test for Obama.  If we need to send troops back to some urban centers, will he do it?  Will he do everything to insure victory?  We recall that, in 1975, in an act of profound dishonor, the United States cut off aid to South Vietnam, insuring a victory by the enemy.  We were "tired" of the struggle.  It took years, and the election of Ronald Reagan, to restore American credibility.  While Democrats instigated that cutoff, appeasing their leftist base, some Republicans went along.

The months ahead will be critical in Iraq.  Obama failed miserably in his first response to the Iranian revolt.  Let's see how he does next door.

June 29, 2009