A recent point of controversy about the war in Iraq is about whether, when and how to begin serious troop reductions in the country. As more Americans turn against the war, members of Congress are beginning to find the courage to discuss this issue.

Rep. Walter Jones, R- N.C., the once infamous proponent of “freedom fries,” has now called for a timetable for withdrawal. He is joined by ever more senators and representatives.

President Bush’s administration has had a sunny disposition about Iraq for much longer than events have justified — we always seem to be about to “turn the corner” and to have the insurgency in its “last throes.”

The mounting casualties of our soldiers and of Iraqi security officers and the constant attacks belie those sentiments. Sen. Chuck Hagel, R- Neb., recently said that the White House was “completely disconnected from reality.”

Still, there may be value in maintaining the appearance of optimism. By doing so, any decision to start bringing our men and women home will be seen, or at least can be spun, as independent of polls or losses. Such subterfuge is not unheard of in this war — the tactically brilliant decision to turn over authority to the Iraqis ahead of schedule last year is one other fine example.

This game cannot go on forever, though, nor should it. It is important that the Pentagon start drawing up plans for withdrawal, if it hasn’t already. There are only a few more instances where we can credibly claim victory and begin to de-emphasize our role in the conflict in Iraq.

We skipped opportunities at the restoration of Iraqi sovereignty, and after the January elections, these were probably wise decisions, given the sorry shape of the Iraqi forces at the time.

According to the current State Department timeline, by Oct. 15, Iraqis are expected to have voted on (and hopefully ratified) a constitution. This would be one opportunity to draw out our forces.

On Dec. 15, elections for a permanent government will happen if the constitution is ratified, or another general assembly if it is not. This would also be an event after which we could reasonably declare victory.

After those two accomplishments, there is no discrete moment where an exit strategy would seem appropriate. Both are less than six months away. If anyone in this administration is serious about supporting our troops, this planning needs to start today.