Perhaps I'm missing something, but how does anybody think future US governments, not to mention future Iraqi governments, are going to be bound by some slapped-together deal President Bush and Prime Minister Maliki put together that hasn't even been passed by our Congress or their parliament? The administration is treating it as a big priority because it will supposedly ensure a longterm (i.e., permanent) US presence in Iraq. And war critics are taking it seriously for the same reason. But it's entirely unclear to me why anyone thinks a President Obama couldn't say 'Forget it. Bad idea.' on day one.