Good news, bad news

Optimism:

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Echoing military commanders, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Sunday the U.S. could withdraw a significant number of troops from Iraq this year if Iraqi forces are able to assume greater control of the country's security.

Reality:

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- The Iraqi army said Sunday it had dispatched troops to investigate a report of 30 beheaded corpses in a village north of Baghdad, but the soldiers turned back before reaching the site, apparently fearing an insurgent ambush.