michael believes we'll only see modest withdrawals this year and most of next. >> i think the drawdown will accelerate in the fall of 2012 because that is the end of the next fighting season. and we're fing to need two more fighting seasons to really consolidate gains in the south of afghanistan first and then next year in the east of the country. >> he says speeding the withdrawal wouldn't save a significant amount of money. the president's afghan surge in the face of public opposition showed a commitment he is unlikely to back away from. >> the president would have to change his strategy to do anything more ambitious. it doesn't mean he won't but money is against it. >> officials say privately that bin laden's death and the soaring war cost could strengthen reof some of the president's advisors who want to bring troops home more quickly and they include vice president biden. but mr. obama has overruled him in the past. bret? >> bret: wendell goler live on the north lawn. thank you. the number of american forces in iraq has been dramatically cut. a year ago, vice president joe