Plan for the next 21 months (i.e., until January 2009)

Of course, the new approach, however sensible, presumes that U.S. troop strength will not decline substantially for the remainder of Bush's term.
New Strategy for War Stresses Iraqi Politics - washingtonpost.com: "'Our notion of 'reconciliation' . . . is not necessarily where Iraqis are at right now,' said Kilcullen, explaining that the word has no equivalent in Arabic. 'The tribal and community leaders I talk to are more pragmatic and are looking for a compact or a settlement that brings an end to the violence. Restoring relationships is separate.'"
Try "sulha," which precisely means reconciliation.