CLINTON CONFIRMATION: How to Leave Iraq in 16 Months?

Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wisc.) wants to know: how to responsibly withdraw from Iraq in the 16-month timetable President-elect Barack Obama laid out during the primaries?

“In the context of the Status of Forces Agreement,” Clinton answers, conceding that “there are some differences in timing.” That’s an understatement: all U.S. forces under the SOFA will be out by the end 2011. Combat troops will be out of towns and cities “hopefully” by June 2009. She says the “military details” aren’t her portfolio.

But she talks about “putting together the teams and activities to support with withdrawal of our troops and support the government of Iraq,” which she declines to specify. At least there’s some degree of discussion about the State Department stepping up further in Iraq, if not entirely satisfactory.