Bring the Boys Back Home (when it's politically expedient)

I've seen several bloggers comment on the "March Surprise;" hints that Bush may pull troops out of Iraq in the spring to boost his chances of being elected to the office he's currently sitting in. So far, though, I don't think I've seen anyone connect these stories to Atrios' comments on Mercs:

Contractors' deaths aren't counted among the tally of more than 350 U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq. No one is sure how many private workers have been killed, or, indeed, even how many are toiling in Iraq for the U.S. government. Estimates range from under 10,000 to more than 20,000 - which could make private contractors the largest U.S. coalition partner ahead of Britain's 11,000 troops.

...

To the consternation of U.S. lawmakers, there is little or no Congressional oversight of contractors hired by the executive branch of government - whether through the State Department, Pentagon or the CIA.

What's the best way to bring troops home while keeping someone on the US payroll in country to watch over Halliburton's interests? Hire someone who'll do their job while you look good bringing all those young men and women back to their families.

Morgan
who isn't happy that circumstances have turned her into such a cynic