I'd rate it as an Obama speech. That is, a thoughtful one. Certainly not impulsive. He is between a rock (Iraq) and a hard place. If we just leave, Afghanistan will be retaken by the Taliban and Al Qaeda, and that ain't good for the US. If we stay, send more troops, etc., there's no assurance of ever achieving the objective of stability that serves our interests. There are no good choices. I'm anti-war, but I think he's making the best choice available to him.

If we're still in Afghanistan in Nov. 2012, Obama is a one term president. American voters are fickle, and not too bright.

Sg