when robert gates said that america's commitment to iraq is not open-ended,what does that mean?

Answer 1

If it was open-ended, we would be like in germany or japan after WWII. We still hold a military presence in both countries as part of the peace plan. The reason he says its not open-ended, is that they want people to believe that in time we will be able to pull out of Iraq. The issue is, that we don't have the capability to pull out of Iraq, with out first stabilizing the government. Mr. Gates is just using the words of the President here. The war in Iraq has been going on for at least 15 years. The reason they use the term, is because many people are saying were in another Vietnam. Vietnam was another open-ended police action, as Iraq is today. Neither of them are a war, they are both Police Actions. The difference is that we don't have a declaration of war.

We are right now fighting on nothing more then the Presidents word. He is the commander and chief, so he may deploy the military with out Congress approving of the deployment. Only Congress may declare war.

Hope this answers your question

Answer 2

It is the same thing Bush said. We won't be there forever for combat purposes so Iraq had better make some measurable progress. This political show between the democrats and republicans is pressure on Iraq so they hurry up and get their government going. That cut and run crap from the republicans is getting old especially since its coming from both sides of the aisle, just in a little different terminology.

Answer 3

Its like a credit card. Open ended would be a card with no spending limit. He's tellin them that unless the Iaqi government steps up to the plate he will take away his credit card or put a spending limit on it.

He feels that there is more that can be done by the Maliki government.

Answer 4

It means he is thinking of quitting

Answer 5

That we WILL withdraw at some point, "victory" or not.