Observers say that accommodating the interests of these various groups while assuaging their fears has been and will be a considerable challenge.

CNN: U.S. forces prepare for withdrawal but questions remain in Iraq

Senators are encouraged not to spend precious time worrying about an accord that the United States Navy strenuously supports, the Bush administration wants promptly ratified, various mining and energy interests and environmental groups (however implausibly) agree is desirable and the bipartisan Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously approved a couple of years ago.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Reading the LOST compass