Which is more the more plausible, in your estimation?
1) Bush is leaving american soldiers in Iraq, simply because he wants the next president to deal with the problem. He's running out the clock. Bush doesn't ever want to admit he was wrong for invading, nor does he want a strategic defeat to be part of his (and the GOP's) legacy. In short, Bush is willing to slaughter american soldiers for his ego, his legacy, and for political considerations.
2) Bush really believes that the original reasons he gave for going to war are still valid, he really believes he's establishing a pro-american democracy in mesopotamia, and that if we don't fight them there, the iraqi insurgents and militias will follow us home.
1) Bush is leaving american soldiers in Iraq, simply because he wants the next president to deal with the problem. He's running out the clock. Bush doesn't ever want to admit he was wrong for invading, nor does he want a strategic defeat to be part of his (and the GOP's) legacy. In short, Bush is willing to slaughter american soldiers for his ego, his legacy, and for political considerations.
2) Bush really believes that the original reasons he gave for going to war are still valid, he really believes he's establishing a pro-american democracy in mesopotamia, and that if we don't fight them there, the iraqi insurgents and militias will follow us home.