Reg. req. More at link.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told a Senate panel today that in deciding to send additional U.S. forces to Iraq, President Bush heeded an appeal that initially came from U.S. commanders there, and he cautioned against dismissing the views of "military professionals."
Appearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee with Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gates sought to defend Bush's decision, announced Wednesday night in a nationally televised address, against what he acknowledged was intense skepticism among lawmakers.
"While I doubt General Pace and I can change many minds here today, perhaps we can allay at least some of your concerns," Gates said. "Above all, I want you to know that the timetable for the introduction of additional U.S. forces will provide ample opportunity early on -- and before many of the additional U.S. troops arrive in Iraq -- to evaluate the progress of this endeavor and whether the Iraqis are fulfilling their commitments to us."
Gates said in his opening remarks that "mistakes certainly have been made by the United States in Iraq," but that whatever has been done in the past, "the stakes now are incalculable."
|