This only works if you make the assumption that the GoI is interchangeable with the will of the people of Iraq.

The GoI, and in particular certain individuals within the GoI who are up for reelection in January, want us gone in order to bolster their own power base. The majority of Iraqis want us to have a larger role than what the GoI is limiting us to. As one of our translators said "The only people who are happy about the pullout are the criminals".

An “enduring friendship” is not going to be build on the backs of local politicians who play to their base. I feel we want and need to “aggressively partner” with the people in the GoI who can see the bigger picture (ie beyond January’s elections). Iraq will emerge as a regional power, they will need foreign support (economic, diplomatic, military and industrial) and forsaking the United States in the short term will only prolong the transition.