Reply #16: Yes and No [View All]

[Jai4WKC08]

Gates is not a neo-con, it's true. But the problem is, Bush still is, sort of. So is Condi. In fact, there are still alot of neo-cons all thru-out the administration, especially among the civilians in the Pentagon. I can't see Gates cleaning 'em all out. And while I think Gates' appointment signals that Cheney and his cabal are out of favor, it's way too early to call him "neutered." Guys like Cheney don't just accept defeat and walk away into the sunset.

One of the concerns I heard from Clark (can't remember whether it was last nite on AAR or this morning on NPR) was that he doesn't think Gates has the background or personality to compete against the other influences within the inner power circles. I think I also heard him saying that Gates may have been out of govt too long to be prepared for the many problems facing the Pentagon and the nation other than Iraq, such as the military options against Iran that many in the administration are pushing for.