Following results.

Having finally read, Democracy in Transition, I find the error in the missing gap. Maybe under the cushions of the SOFA -
- Having Now Fully Read (NFR) as opposed to earlier (nfr) - not fully read -

[My original tangent (or somewhat subsequent) was based on a true convergence error, by actually melding two links that I did not later see (but have now fixed) as two. It may have been my original convergence that there was some link between Thanksgiving and Xmas of native form and anacronism if not shopping or fitting the bill.]

The SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) is a possible transition piece that also leaves a flexible and democratic if not constitutional way forward. It may be just a piece that is expected to assure a legacy of passing the buck, but that is just what is needed until there is a leader who is willing to follow...

As far as time tables go- (I make up for the muddle by pulling only two segments together from the SOFA.)
"Should the Iraqi government decide to cancel the pact after the referendum it would have to give Washington one year's notice, meaning that troops would be allowed to remain in the country only until the summer of 2010."

"The international agreement will be binding on US president-elect Barack Obama when he assumes office next year, but he could also unilaterally cancel the pact with a year's notice or withdraw all US troops at any time."

Given the room for democracy otherwise known as process, there is also room for interpretation with oversight.

As far as Democracy in Transition: Congress should reclaim their power in the United States with a "signing statement resolution" as Iraq is still forming their constitutional process.
"Such a resolution, which would still allow Congress to fund the agreement if they feel compelled by the Obama administration to do so, could be passed by both the House and the Senate the week of December 8," Fox said. "If congressional leaders cannot bring themselves to take that one minor step, then the damage to their institution may be irreversible."

In conclusion, it may be that this is the best thing that the current administration has ever done. Not that it was their intent, but the best they could hope for, and would not have been possible without the pressure of some form of daylight, albeit not here yet.- diplomacy - ]