Here's what a Rumsfeld resignation means to Iraq:

[BuyingThyme]

Nothing.

There will be no power change at the DOD, as Cheney's gang of neo-cons (Rumsfeld's gang of neo-cons) still runs the show.

This move puts Robert Gates, not Donald Rumsfeld, before our shiny, new Congressional committees.

So, instead of finally getting straight answers from Rumsfeld, the American people get nonsense from Gates.

Nobody will be held responsible. Nobody will answer questions. No checks and balances for now.

We are staying the course.

[Windy]

1. Rumsfeld will be a private citizen and can't duck a subpoena

You weren't going to get anything out of him as sec. of def. anyway without a subpoena. We can still subpoena him and the generals. And if Gates doesn't give us the answers we want in confirmation hearings, he's gone.

[BuyingThyme]

3. We only have two years.

This resignation plays on the Pelosi move-on strategy. She's being forced to move on with Gates without looking back on Rumsfeld.

This is a solid political move for Bush.

[Fire Walk With Me]

2. Yeah, the entire machine is the problem, not just individuals.

[BuyingThyme]

4. And with Rumsfeld out, the shit falls on Cheney.

And he can play the executive privilege card better than Rumsfeld could.