Decoding Iraq statements

I'm sure everyone has read or watched the President's speech by now. Just in case, here's a CNN article that does a pretty good recap and explanation. What we'll see, though, from the response of the Democrats and the push of the Administration is this:

The Administration has stated because conditions on the ground have improved, they're ending the surge early and starting the withdrawal of troops now instead of next April as originally planned. They've said that the conditions on the ground and the needs of the troops will dictate troop levels.

The Democrats, on the other hand, have said that the conditions on the ground are irrelevant and political expediency will dictate troops levels.

Bush: 5,700 troops to return home by Christmas
CNN

WASHINGTON -- President Bush said Thursday night conditions on the ground in Iraq have improved sufficiently to start bringing some U.S. troops home, and urged Americans divided over the war to "come together."

In a televised speech to the nation, Bush said he would reduce U.S. force strength by 5,700 troops by Christmas and, by next July, reduce the number of combat brigades from 20 to 15 -- a decrease of roughly 21,500 troops overall.

The first step in that process will come later this month, when 2,200 Marines leaving Anbar province will not be replaced, the president said.

"The principle guiding my decisions on troop levels in Iraq is 'return on success' -- the more successful we are, the more American troops can return home," Bush said during a 17-minute prime-time address from the Oval Office.

"In all we do, I will ensure that our commanders on the ground have the troops and flexibility they need to defeat the enemy."

In the Democratic response, Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island said Bush's speech "does not amount to real change."