are benchmarks themselves now only benchmarks?

Question

that bench has seen better days. game cancelled due to snow.

Answer 1

They haven't been met. Congress stated that continued funding for the war depends on the Iraqi government meeting the benchmarks. Should we keep throwing good money after bad? If you failed every item in your performance review would you keep your job?

Answer 2

the benchmarks were only ever benchmarks. Congress cannot pull the troops out. Even if the cut off all the funding, the President could still keep the troops there if he chose too.