HANDWRITING ON THE WALL: The Joint Statement on the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Dialogue released by the State Department seems to spell out neatly that the combat mission of 2,500 American troops in Iraq will soon be coming to an end.

“The parties confirmed that the mission of U.S. and Coalition forces has now transitioned to one focused on training and advisory tasks, thereby allowing for the redeployment of any remaining combat forces from Iraq, with the timing to be established in upcoming technical talks.”