Any way you slice it, recent reports that U.S. troops may be able to leave Iraq at a quicker pace is great news. And as many have said for a while now, this withdrawal has nothing to do with timelines — it’s all based on improved conditions on the ground.

On Sunday, the New York Times ran a front-page article entitled “US Considers Increasing Pace of Iraq Pullout.” While the article waited until the eighth paragraph to cite “vastly improved” security and increased “confidence of Iraq’s government and military and police” as the reason for the possible acceleration, the article is nonetheless astounding.

Contrast this conditions-based draw-down with the calls for immediate withdrawal proposed by some in 2006/2007 . . . even the Grey Lady says it’s a “striking reversal.” When the history of the Iraq War is written, late 2006/early 2007 will certainly be seen as one of the most, if not the most, critical juncture of the war.

I hope America remembers who had the judgment to support the new strategy that is now bringing our boys home sooner . . . and with honor.