What's the problem with "benchmarks?"

[YankeeRebel]

I understand why it is not feasible to immediately withdraw our troops from Iraq. It would probably result in a civil war or a takeover by islamic fundamentalists. I understand why a "timetable" for withdrawal isn't feasible as well. The terrorists and islamic fundamentalists could simply wait out our involvement and take over the day after we leave. Neither of these options seem good.

With that said, why are conservatives and the Bush administration so opposed to a list of definite benchmarks which could be used as empirical indicators of progress in Iraq?

So far the Iraqis have accepted the responsibility of government, they have drafted their own constitution, and they have held free elections. These are pretty good benchmarks as to the progress of their government. Why not develop similar benchmarks for the security of the Iraqi state? For example, why not set goals for the development of the new Iraqi army? Or how about goals for the development of the Iraqi police force? Why not set these benchmarks with the expectation that as these security goals are achieved, a gradual reduction in troop levels can occur?

It seems like a logical solution: as the Iraqi state gets stronger, there is less of a need for US presence on the ground. We can gradually pull our troops out as their country becomes increasingly self-reliant. It seems like a win-win solution for both countries. So my question is, if such benchmarks could be useful in achieving these goals, why are conservatives and the Bush administration so opposed to putting a formal benchmark plan in place?

[Amadeus]

if you make a promise, if you set a goal, then the promise or goal can be broken.

if you say nothing, you can always tell the american people that everything's going ok.


that is the problem with benchmarks.




(also, i don't see any reason to beleive that anyone has any idea what's going to happen next in iraq. what benchmarks could they set? the plan used to be something like:
1. set up the military
2. set up the government
3. they'll handle it from there
1 mostly failed, and two isn't doing so hot. now what? i don't know, and the administration isn't telling us. so what benchmarks can we set when we don't know what's happening next?)