Rumsfeld calls Iraq options memo weeks-old

[sabra]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16052418/

Rumsfeld calls Iraq options memo weeks-old
Declassified cover letter makes clear paper had long been in the works

WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld's secret memo to President Bush offering new approaches in Iraq was developed over a period of weeks, according to a newly declassified cover letter.

The letter, obtained by The Associated Press on Monday, also said that Rumsfeld had instructed Gen. John Abizaid, the top commander for U.S. forces in the Middle East, to assemble his own group "some time ago" to consider new approaches in Iraq - "since war plans of this type" are the responsibility of Abizaid's command.

There has been no public disclosure of recommendations from the Abizaid group.

Paper in works for 'some weeks'
The letter, addressed to Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and Stephen Hadley, the president's national security adviser, was transmitted with the memo and dated Nov. 6, two days before Rumsfeld resigned.

The cover letter was declassified Monday by Rumsfeld.

[Norquist Nemesis]

1. "The cover letter was declassified Monday by Rumsfeld"

That sentence says it all.

[exlrrp]

2. Cut and Rummy

And all the weeks they were putting this memo together, Bush and the Republicans were slamming the Democrats for advocating "cutting and running."
May Rumsfeld forver live in HIstory as "Cut and Rummy" and Bush as:"Cut and Dummy"

[GeorgeGist]

3. Cover letter...

along with the memo, are headed to the CYA Hall of Shame.

[YDogg]

4. were his pants on fire?