Here is what a well-informed source has to say about the two issues that have been getting a lot of play in the media lately: 1) the Iraqi constitution-writing process: 2) the plans for a US troop draw-down. I’m quoting roughly, and passing along for what it’s worth:

1) “It’s very similar to the process of writing the Transitional Administrative Law. We go through this every time Iraqis get together in a conclave–they have to confront these very difficult issues of federalism, the role of religion, and resources. My guess is that on religion it will be the same as in Afghanistan–calmer heads will prevail. It won’t satisfy the extremist purists nor will it satisfy those warning about them. It will fall somewhere in between. In the US, this took 12 years. We have set Iraqis the impossible burden of writing a constitution in X-number of months. If on federalism or Kirkuk they kick the can down the road, more power to them. That’s what you often do in democracy with tough issues.”
2) “It’s exactly what we have been saying within the administration for the last year and half: as we build up Iraqi forces, we will be able to drawn down US forces. 6 months ago we were talking about the possibility of reducing US forces by 60,000 troops in the Spring of ‘06. The chatter about it now reflects that Gens. Abizaid and Casey are more and more confident that the necessary conditions for a drawn down will be met. It’s what we’ve been planning and building for months and months. You’d think it would be good news, but you get people misinterpreting it on the left and the right.”