The commanders have recently determined that we can 
    reduce our combat forces in Iraq from 17 to 15 brigades. 
    And the reason they were able to do so is because the 
    Iraqis are more capable. The adjustment is underway. This 
    adjustment will result in a net decrease of several 
    thousand troops below the pre-election baseline of 
    138,000 U.S. troops in Iraq. The decrease comes in 
    addition to a reduction of about 20,000 troops who were 
    in Iraq to assist with security during the December 
    elections. 

    Later this year, if Iraqis continue to make progress on 
    the security and political sides that we expect, we can 
    discuss further possible adjustments with the leaders of 
    a new government in Iraq. But my decisions will be based 
    upon conditions on the ground and the recommendation of 
    our commanders, not based by false political timetables 
    in Washington, D.C. I'm not going to let politics get in 
    the way of doing the right thing in Iraq, and the American
    people have got to understand that.