Troops in Iraq, Afghanistan... and Iran?

The Bush administration is considering drawing down the number of troops in Iraq... partially because of the need for additional troops in Afghanistan.

Isn't that what Obama's been talking about for months now?

Although no decision has been made, by the time President Bush leaves office on Jan. 20, at least one and as many as 3 of the 15 combat brigades now in Iraq could be withdrawn or at least scheduled for withdrawal, the officials said.

The desire to move more quickly reflects the view of many in the Pentagon who want to ease the strain on the military but also to free more troops for Afghanistan and potentially other missions.

"Other missions," however, sounds ominously like "Iran." (Desert Beacon notes that Congress is circulating a couple of potentially inflammatory resolutions that urge the President to increase the pressure on Iran: H.Con.Res 362 and S.Res. 580.)

OBAMA, MEANWHILE, is planning a trip to Iraq, and he's smartly chosen Republican Senator Chuck Hagel to accompany him.