Many people on both sides have commented on the debate around the efforts of a portion of our Congress to pass a non-binding reolution around the troop surge.  The left says it's a way to register the "American People's" war weariness, while the right says it will embolden the enemy in Iraq.  BS to both of them!  Both sides in this "fight" are seeking political advantage, BOTH SIDES. The left are looking to say something tough without actually doing anything about it.  They are bullies who, when it comes to actually putting their own skin in the game, balk.  I would respect the left's efforts if they would come out and say, "Look, we don't like the war, we think it's wrong, and are voting to defund the effort to help hasten the return of our troops to the US."   
The right is trying to gloss over their past mistakes under the banner of patriotism.  They should admit that mistakes were made and that they are looking at precise milestones to determine future efforts.  IF THESE MILESTONES ARE NOT REACHED IN THE DEFINED TIME-WE ARE LEAVING!  Be unequivocal and clearly define the timelines and milestones.
Nobody wants the troops put into harm's way needlessly, but you can't have politicians run a war.  It never works.  We have Vietnam and the beginning of the Civil War as proof of that.  The politician's role is to define the larger goals, with concrete measures, and then let the military complete them.  Micromanagement doesn't work.  It stifles creativity and creates roadblocks to adaptation to the situation on the ground.
The troops deserve the freedom to accomplish their mission, which needs to be clearly defined, without the ambiguity of political expedience on both sides threatening to pull the rug out from under them.