In Letter To Hillary, Gates Confirms "Planning Taking Place" For Withdrawal

[Oilwellian]

Defense Secretary Robert Gates has written a long letter to Hillary Clinton in which he confirms that "planning is taking place" for withdrawal from Iraq.

While the fact that such contingency planning is underway of course doesn't mean that withdrawal is imminent, it's noteworthy that Gates confirmed this. Clinton had repeatedly asked for confirmation of such planning, resulting in her standoff with the Pentagon last week.

This letter represents Gates' official reply to Clinton's criticism, and the Senator's office believes this is the first time that Gates has publicly acknowledged that such planning is underway.

"ou may rest assured that such planning is indeed taking place with my active involvement as well as that of senior military and civilian officials and our commanders in the field. I consider this contingency planning to be a priority for this Department," Gates writes in the letter, which was obtained by Election Central.

http://electioncentral.tpmcafe.com/blog/electioncentral/2007/jul/26/breaking_in_letter_to_hillary_gates_confirms_planning_taking_place_for_withdrawal

[Captain Hilts]

1. The folks in the Pentagon have been planning this stuff for some time.

That's what makes Edelman's comments all the more inappropriate.

He should have said that he'd be glad to brief her on her "concerns" or "interests." And left it at that. That way he would not have insulted her and he would not have publicly acknowledged the presence of such planning.

[BOSSHOG]

2. In an ideal military command

contingency plans are made for every inevitability. Its part of the nature of the organization. Also in an ideal bush administration dickheads will be appointed to important jobs, ergo edelman.