To the contrary, I believe the U.S. military has already done all that has been asked of them. Saddam Hussein is on trial. The threat from alleged weapons of mass destruction programs in Iraq has been neutralized.

In crude oil trading, we have seen a 46 percent increase over 1 year in the margins there.

Essentially, when we run a deficit, we are borrowing money to buy things that are made overseas.

There is no free market in oil.

The U.S. cannot impose freedom, security, and unity in Iraq by force.

In addition to a timeline, I have proposed that U.S. troops be removed from front line combat positions in Iraqi cities and towns, turning over daily security patrols, interactions with citizens, and any offensive security actions to the Iraqis themselves.

A timeline for bringing U.S. troops home that is negotiated with the Iraqi government would also boost the Iraqi government's legitimacy and claim to self-rule, and force the Iraqi government to take responsibility for itself and its citizens.