Posted on 01/26/2007 12:04:55 PM PST by NormsRevenge
WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Roberts Gates said Friday that a congressional resolution opposing President Bush's troop buildup in Iraq amounts to undercutting U.S. commanders in a way that "emboldens the enemy."
At his first Pentagon news conference since taking office, Gates was asked his reaction to the debate in Congress over the effect of such a nonbinding resolution. "It's pretty clear that a resolution that in effect says that the general going out to take command of the arena shouldn't have the resources he thinks he needs to be successful certainly emboldens the enemy and our adversaries," he said.
Gates talked to reporters as Senate Democrats on Capitol Hill prepared for the start debate next week on the resolution of opposition to President Bush's decision to send an additional 21,500 U.S. forces into battle in wartorn Iraq. Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid (news, bio, voting record) said Friday that a quick test vote would likely be taken if Republicans try to delay or block the move.
Gates was referring to Army Lt. Gen. David Petraeus, who was confirmed by the full Senate on Friday to replace Gen. George Casey as the top American commander in Iraq. Petraeus has said he needs all 21,500 extra troops that Bush has ordered to Iraq in order to quell the raging sectarian violence in Baghdad.
"I think it's hard to measure that with any precision, but it seems pretty straightforward that any indication of flagging will in the United States gives encouragement to those folks," Gates said, referring to the anti-government forces in Baghdad. He added that he was certain this was not the intent of those who support the congressional resolution.
"But that's the effect," he said.
I'm with you, Mo1!
I just feel like crying...I just don't know what to think anymore.
See my Post #103. It's no longer the "Warner" resolution - it's the "McCain" resolution.
Either way - it's a shame for the country and the GOP!
Well, I felt like I took a punch, but, again, it is al-Reuters, so I guess I'll wait a bit and see whether this is so or not.
That is why they did it.
They want the U.S. defeated.
NO .. He is telling listener to call McConnell to filibuster and not cave to the Biden resolution
He's telling people to call his home office
It's hard to keep up with what's going on! I'm totally confused on everything except my complete and utter disgust with the GOP.
People need to go to Hugh Hewitt's site and read all the ins and outs of what is going on themselves.
Yes .. he said to call Cornyn's office and tell him to to every thing he can to stop this surrender
Me too :0(
U.S. confirms troops' kidnapping in Iraq (4 GIs Handcuffed And Shot In Head)
My daughter came to pick up the itty bitty one, so unfortunately, I missed the Campbell interview.
I DID hear Tommy Thompson...who said HE doesn't think the plan will work.
WHY do these politicians feel like they know better than Petraeaus and other military??
On C-span 1 right now is a LIVE roundtable with Laura Ingraham, Kate O'Beirne, Mona Charen, and Kathryn Lopez.
I was NOT impressed with Tommy Thompson.
Petraeaus was handing out the Army Counterinsurgency Manual to everyone on the hill this week he talked to. He even gave the President a copy. I guess he thinks they should read it.
For those who want to read it, it is here:
http://www.fas.org/irp/doddir/army/fm3-24.pdf
Are they harping?
I can't handle that bs anymore
Someone should tell Peggy Noonan.
Yeah...they are.
I may have to turn this off...
Now they are making fun of Kerry and Reid (Reid saying I love you to kerry).
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