Bending the Third Rail
Because We Should, We Can, We Do
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Open the Gates
Gates is likely in unless they can find some dirt on him. He's not such a hot character himself.

But ....

As I hinted the other day, the most important aspect of his appointment is Gates' proximity to Bush Sr. and James Baker. He's been serving on the Hamilton/Baker committee so any recommendations from them will be more likely to be eagerly accepted in the Pentagon. Plus, Gates is on the record as saying this eighteen months ago:
We all hope that it will be quick. That in a year or two the — this government in Iraq will be secure enough that they will be able to invite us to leave and we can do so, leaving behind us a government that can survive and that will be very different from what preceded it.
It's hardly "get the troops out now" but it's a much more flexible approach than Rummy ever had.

Frankly at this point, I think Bush is ready to get the hell out of Washington and call it good. He seems almost relieved to be sharing the responsibility now with Congress and to have an excuse to change course. I hope so.
Written at 8:55 AM by Greyhair.
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