Gates Warns Against Leaving Iraq 'in Chaos'

[cal04]

Defense Nominee Says He Opposes Speedy Pullout
Robert M. Gates, President Bush's nominee to become the next secretary of defense, said he opposes a swift pullout from Iraq, arguing in written testimony submitted yesterday to Congress that "leaving Iraq in chaos would have dangerous consequences both in the region and globally for many years to come."

Gates, whose confirmation hearings are scheduled to begin next week, also staked out positions on Iran and Syria that are consistent with his past views but appear to be at odds with the Bush administration's current policies. He called for diplomatic engagement with both countries, noting that "even in the worst days of the cold war the U.S. maintained a dialogue with the Soviet Union and China and I believe those channels of communication helped us manage many potentially difficult situations."

Until he was nominated earlier this month by President Bush, Gates was a member of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, led by former secretary of state James A. Baker III and former representative Lee H. Hamilton (D-Ind.). That group is said to be leaning toward recommending that the Bush administration seek stability in Iraq partly by holding an international conference that includes Iraq's neighbors. In 65 pages of written answers to the Senate Armed Services Committee, Gates repeatedly mentions such a conference.

"Our engagement with Syria need not be unilateral," Gates stated. "It could, for instance, take the form of Syrian participation in a regional conference."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/28/AR2006112801604.html

[katsy]

1. yeah. let's stay til they all die. n/t

[Erika]

2. As many of the right wing boards say "Kill all the ragheads"

Maybe that's what W is trying to accomplish. He'd thrill Rush, Hannity, Ingraham, Malkin, and Savage.

They want them all dead.

[longship]

3. Stay the course!! Stay the course!! Stay the course!!

:evilgrin: