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Gates Responds: Withdrawal Planning Underway

In what can only be read as a sharp rebuke to Cheney acolyte Eric Edelman, SecDef Gates responds to Senator Clinton as follows:

First, allow me to reiterate that I have long been and continue to be an advocate of congressional oversight as a fundamental element of our system of government. I also have publicly expressed my belief that congressional debate on Iraq has been constructive, appropriate and necessary. . . . Furthermore, I agree with you that planning concerning the future of U.S. forces in Iraq — including the draw down of those forces at the right time — is not only appropriate, but essential. . . .

Specifically, I emphatically assure you that we do not claim, suggest, or otherwise believe that congressional oversight emboldens our enemies, nor do we question anyone’s motives in this regard.

. . . Further, you 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 of course assures Edelman of his "strong support." Well, this letter clearly is a rebuke of Edelman's previous letter.

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    I find this humorous (1.00 / 1) (#14)
    by talex on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:41:53 PM EST
    This blockquote is lifted from a post at NBC's First Read. The rest is mine:

    For example, the day after the YouTube debate, the Miami Herald had a headline that read:

    Obama, Edwards say they would meet with Castro, Chavez.

    (http://www.miamiherald.com/579/story/179 947.html)

    It doesn't take much imagination to envision these same headlines featured ad nauseam within the deluge of GOP campaign ads hitting the Florida airwaves morphing Democratic Presidential nominee Obama with Castro and Ahmadinejad. Tell me again the upside for the Democrats in needlessly angering the Cubans and the Jews?

    Why should the Democrats elect a candidate who would so recklessly hand Florida's electoral votes to the GOP, and on a silver-platter, nonetheless?

    The GOP will eat Obama alive on this one.

    Eat. Obama. Alive.

    Here we see both Obama and Edwards running so far Left they are at the point of no return. How can they go back to the middle now?

    Go far Left on healthcare - yes. Go far left on Education - yes. But on Foreign Policy? Today!

    Obama and Edwards couldn't get reelected to the Senate again with this display.

    Here we have Clinton asking for withdrawal plans from the DOD and Gates scrambles to respond to her...

    And Obama and Edwards want to meet with Castro!!

    Who is the experienced politician here? Which strategy would America endorse if they had to chose one? Withdrawal plans or meeting with Castro?

    ha ha

    Oh please (none / 0) (#16)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:45:48 PM EST
    This is an incredibly ridiculous post.

    You again fan the flames of folks who think you are a Republican with this one.

    And you have no arguable claim that Edwards wants to meet with Castro.

    The truth and Talex, seldom seen together.

    Parent

    There is no working link (5.00 / 2) (#19)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:49:00 PM EST
    to Talex's blockquote. His credibility on most things is only slightly better than Gonzo's so until further notice, I do not believe the headline as to Edwards.

    Parent
    Here is the link (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:54:54 PM EST
    link.

    As I discuss above, the article is completely false vis a vis Edwards based on its OWN reporting.

    Parent

    You are the one who is ridiculous (1.00 / 2) (#33)
    by talex on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 03:39:32 PM EST
    Of course you resort to your trademarked ad hominems and don't say what it you disagree with and why. Try reading the Miami News Article:

    During a nationally televised debate, Obama responded to a hypothetical question: ``Would you be willing to meet separately, without precondition, during the first year of your administration, in Washington or anywhere else, with the leaders of Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba and North Korea, in order to bridge the gap that divides our countries?

    The senator from Illinois responded: ``I would, and the reason is this: the notion that somehow not talking to countries is somehow punishing them, which has been the guiding diplomatic principle of this administration, is ridiculous.''
    ...
    The question was then posed to Edwards, who said, ``Yes, I think Senator Clinton is right, though. Before that meeting takes place, we need to do the work, the diplomacy to make sure the meeting is not going to be used for propaganda purposes.''

    Now of course the point here is the Miami Heralds article headline and what the original poster said. there is the link as if a link really matters. Why would anyone make up what some anonymous person said. Hell I could have plagiarized it but I don't do that. Armando is just making up a reason to slander me.

    Anyone who likes can go the the transcript of the debate to see the reporting is accurate.

    Even though Edwards qualified his statement he still said he would go see the countries named in the question. Clinton did not. She didn't leave herself open for a headline like that to be used against her. Which is why I say she is the better politician.

    As for your comment Armando - first of all you have no credibility calling others liars. Second just yesterday you said:

    "I will delete comments that abuse you as well."

    So what do you do? Abuse me by slandering me. Let that be the last time. Your attacks on various posters here while they cannot respond in kind is beyond the common decency of a moderator on this site.

    Parent

    Are you kidding? (none / 0) (#36)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 03:54:09 PM EST
    Your link did not work.

    Your headline was false.

    The story in the HERALD, not the News, whatever that is, proves it false.

    The article was false.

    But your standard OP is to deny the obvious.

    One commet left today Talex.

    Parent

    One headline does not a campaign make (none / 0) (#17)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:46:08 PM EST
    The link does not work (none / 0) (#18)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:47:50 PM EST
    and Edwards did not answer the questions at issue.

    I doubt Talex's word on this utterly.

    Parent

    Faux links now talex? (none / 0) (#20)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:49:54 PM EST
    Say it isn't so.

    Parent
    I found the story (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:53:16 PM EST
    and it is a false one.

    Obama, Edwards say they would meet with Castro, Chávez

    BY BETH REINHARD
    breinhard@MiamiHerald.com

    <b.Democratic presidential candidates Barack Obama and John Edwards suggested Monday that they would meet with two leaders who top South Florida's most-hated list: Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez</b>.

    False as to Edwards. Later in the SAME story:

    The question was then posed to Edwards, who said, ``Yes, I think Senator Clinton is right, though. Before that meeting takes place, we need to do the work, the diplomacy to make sure the meeting is not going to be used for propaganda purposes.''

    "I think Senator clinton is right."

    This is a ridiculously false and shoddy piece of journalism. I wonder that the Edwards campagin did not complain to the Herald.

    Parent

    Edwards did answer (none / 0) (#23)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:56:44 PM EST
    "I think Senator Clinton is right."

    Terrible reporting by the Herald and First Read.

    Parent

    Simple typo (none / 0) (#24)
    by Peaches on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:56:46 PM EST
    I don't have an opinion, but a little figuring and adjusting from T's post and you can get the link. Here it is.

    The Headline

    Parent

    Oops, I'm late. (none / 0) (#25)
    by Peaches on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:57:22 PM EST
    Late indeed (none / 0) (#26)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:58:23 PM EST
    Dang, (none / 0) (#27)
    by Peaches on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 03:04:41 PM EST
    I was only trying to be helpful.

    Parent
    As was Talex (none / 0) (#28)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 03:05:10 PM EST
    I suppose so, (none / 0) (#29)
    by Peaches on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 03:07:49 PM EST
    Is there a point to this other than rebuking me for posting a correction to his link a few seconds late.

    Parent
    Thank you (none / 0) (#31)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 03:12:56 PM EST
    My pleasure, sir! (none / 0) (#32)
    by Peaches on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 03:19:22 PM EST
    This Hillary person (none / 0) (#1)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 01:26:50 PM EST
    She knows the ropes.  She knows how the military works too and that if the plan exists the only other thing to do is implement it.  She must be getting insider pointers from a past CIC ;)  I must say that I was impressed when she made it plain during the youtube debate that not only is redeployment not in the Bush administrations cards but we don't even have a plan for it.  I can't even begin to tell you how unmilitary it is to not have a plan for something.  Especially something you are going to have to eventually do.....that is unheard of.  We have drawn up plans on the books for the attack of every nation on the globe.  The Marines keep an up to date terrain assessment of every single beach in the world just in case they need to go in via the beach.  The Brits not so much.  To have no redeployment plan on the books right now for Iraq though is simply UNAMERICAN.

    Edelman vindicated! (none / 0) (#2)
    by Gabriel Malor on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 01:27:00 PM EST
    Doesn't look like a rebuke to me, although I'm not surprised that you portray it as such. In fact, Gates appears to be saying the exact same thing that Edelman did (PDF):

    I assure you, however, that as with other plans, we are always evaluating and planning for possible contingencies.

    Gates also makes the same point about public discussion of withdrawal plans:

    [W]e all recognize that there are multiple audiences for what we say, and need to be careful not to undermine the morale of our troops or encourage our enemies.

    [A]s Under Secretary Edelman and officials from many previous administrations have stated, it is also the Department's longstanding practice and policy spanning decades and mulitple Administrations that operational military plans, including contingency plans, are not routinely shared with the Congress...

    Edelman vindicated!

    Bwahahaha! (5.00 / 4) (#5)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 01:35:40 PM EST
    Poor Gabe. It sucks to be a Republican don't it?

    Parent
    Ask David Vitter. (none / 0) (#7)
    by andgarden on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 01:39:59 PM EST
    You Mean (none / 0) (#30)
    by squeaky on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 03:10:05 PM EST
    Ask his ho.

    Parent
    Bwah? (none / 0) (#8)
    by Gabriel Malor on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 01:45:58 PM EST
    BTD wrote:

    We'll see how Gates reacts but my bet is that GAtes did NOT approve that language.

    BTD also wrote:

    Gates should apologize and fire Edelman for this outrageous behavior.

    Gates wrote:

    Finally, I want to close by expressing my continued strong support for Ambassador Edelman. Dr. Edelman is a valued member...etc, etc, etc.


    Parent
    And Brownie is doing a heckuva job (5.00 / 1) (#10)
    by andgarden on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 01:59:56 PM EST
    And? (none / 0) (#9)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 01:46:48 PM EST
    Doesn't Hillary sit on the Armed Services Com? (none / 0) (#4)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 01:35:19 PM EST
    Do you think it is possible that she is just making it up that we have no redeployment plan?  Maybe she just decided to tattletale huh?  Maybe Gates is just in CYA mode now and he will see to it that this happens now or someone could tattletale again.

    Parent
    Rebuke? If you say so. (none / 0) (#3)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 01:30:31 PM EST
    Specifically, I emphatically assure you that we do not claim, suggest, or otherwise believe that congressional oversight emboldens our enemies, nor do we question anyone's motives in this regard. My statements to this effect have been frequent and unambiguous. That said, we all recognize that there are multiple audiences for what we say, and need to be careful not to undermine the morale of our troops or encourage our enemies -- the point I think Ambassador Edelman was trying to make in his letter.

    With respect to your specific request, the Department's policy is to share appropriate information regarding policies, posture, and administrative plans with appropriate Congressional oversight committees. But as Under Secretary Edelman and officials from many previous Administrations have stated, it is also the Department's long-standing practice and policy spanning decades and multiple Administrations that operational military plans, including contingency plans, are not routinely shared wit ht e Congress (or with other departments of the Executive Branch). The are a number of time-proven reasons for this policy, including considerations of operational security, the fact that plans are continuously modified as required by changing security conditions, and the need to protect the operations commander's ability to implement the plan as flexibly as the situation warrants. In short, the Department has to ensure that no commander is constrained by a plan that no longer comports with the situation on the ground.

    All this said, I would be pleased to work with you and the Senate Armed Services Committee to establish a process to keep you apprised of the conceptual thinking, factors, considerations, questions and objectives associated with drawdown planning.



    Heh (5.00 / 2) (#6)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 01:36:59 PM EST
    You Republican folks are incredible.

    say anything ay?

    Parent

    I'm no Republican, and this is no rebuke: (none / 0) (#11)
    by Geekesque on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:30:22 PM EST
    That said, we all recognize that there are multiple audiences for what we say, and need to be careful not to undermine the morale of our troops or encourage our enemies -- the point I think Ambassador Edelman was trying to make in his letter.

    Finally, I want to close by expressing my continued strong support for Ambassador Edelman. Dr. Edelman is a valued member of the Department of Defense team and his wise counsel and years of experience are critically important to the many pressing policy issues facing the military and our nation.

    This is damage control and spin, not a rebuke.

    OF course it is (none / 0) (#12)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:39:35 PM EST
    He repudiates what Edelamn said.

    BTW, a FULL disclosure from you would include thst you are among the most rabid Obama suporters one could find.

    Parent

    That was not repudiation. (none / 0) (#34)
    by Geekesque on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 03:43:56 PM EST
    A repudiation would have been firing Edelman.

    Heck, he didn't even criticize Edelman.

    Parent

    Ridculous (none / 0) (#38)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 03:55:56 PM EST
    BTW (none / 0) (#13)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:40:43 PM EST
    No more high road for Mr. New Politics ay?

    Bush Lite?

    The whiff of desperation is upon us.

    Parent

    What does Obama have to do (none / 0) (#35)
    by Geekesque on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 03:44:24 PM EST
    with this story?

    Parent
    Nothing (none / 0) (#37)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 03:55:24 PM EST
    I was asking you, an Obama supporter.

    Ignore the question if you like.

    Parent

    Well, above you asked that I disclose (none / 0) (#39)
    by Geekesque on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 04:15:20 PM EST
    my support for Obama before commenting on a letter from Gates.

    As far as his counter-attack goes, Clinton labeled his sensible approach as "irresponsible and frankly naive"--employing at once the Joe Klein type of wankery you rightly denounced in other posts while also posturing in a way that reinforces the Bushian notion that we do favors to other countries by the mere act of talking to them.  She also, btw, has been distorting his position.  

    Her response today did very little to create separation between her position and the practices of the Bush administration.

    Parent

    Bush Cheney Lite? (none / 0) (#43)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 04:37:43 PM EST
    The above response to Clinton's letter below (none / 0) (#15)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 02:44:28 PM EST
    "Rather than offer to brief the congressional oversight committees on this critical issue, Under Secretary Edelman - writing on your behalf - instead claims that congressional oversight emboldens our enemies," Clinton wrote. "Under Secretary Edelman has his priorities backward. Open and honest debate and congressional oversight strengthens our nation and supports our military. His suggestion to the contrary is outrageous and dangerous."

    Seems like a rebuke Edelman's way to me.

    Parent

    Excuse me (none / 0) (#41)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 04:35:03 PM EST
    YOUR link did not work,  I went and found it. NOT someone else.

    You are done for the day.

    As for the rest of your paranoid screed (none / 0) (#42)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 04:36:57 PM EST
    I hope you have better sense than that.

    You are already limited to 4 comments a day.

    That was the higher ups decision.

    I will argue against your banning but I can not guarantee it now.

    Please don't ban Talex. (3.00 / 2) (#45)
    by Geekesque on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 06:47:31 PM EST
    That'll just mean he/she will post more at the Great Orange Satan.

    Parent
    I prefer him over here too (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by andgarden on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 10:54:56 PM EST
    A 4 post limit means he's easier to ignore.

    Parent
    Heh (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 11:09:09 PM EST
    Squeaky gave you a 1.

    That was funny.

    Parent

    Talex (none / 0) (#44)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 26, 2007 at 05:24:18 PM EST
    I told you you were done for today because you have posted 4 times today.

    I deleted your last comment.