Baseline quotes Maj. Gen. Michael Diamond, deputy director of the logistics directorate at U.S. Central Command, who says it could take two years to withdraw the 160,000 American troops supported by 9 million tons of equipment and supplies.

Retired Army Maj. Gen. William Nash, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, says six months is the minimum if there are no setbacks.

Here's my question of the day: why does it take longer to get out than get in?

Or ... is the fact that the US (publicly at least) invaded Iraq so quickly a reflection of limited forethought and planning?