There's no reason to get hung up on the use of the word "refine." It means nothing, and it's no surprise.
Obama's statement this week is telling for another reason.
I've always said I would listen to commanders on the ground. I've always said the pace of withdrawal would be dictated by the safety and security of our troops and the need to maintain stability," he told reporters in North Dakota.
"That assessment has not changed, and when I have a chance to meet with some of the commanders on the ground I'm sure I'll have more information and will continue to refine my policies," he said.
Accoring to Obama, "the need to maintain stability" in Iraq now determines when the US should pull out. This, he claims, is what he has always said.