thedrifter
02-06-07, 12:57 PM
Gates planning alternatives if buildup fails
By Anne Flaherty - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Feb 6, 2007 12:06:05 EST
Defense Secretary Robert Gates asserted Tuesday the increase in U.S. forces in Iraq is “not the last chance” to succeed and conceded he is considering what steps to take if the buildup does not work.
“I would be irresponsible if I weren’t thinking about what the alternatives might be,” Gates told the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Gates was questioned on the war as the full Senate remained stalled over Democratic leaders’ efforts to begin a debate over President Bush’s course for Iraq.
Gates did not say what other options he was considering if the addition of 21,500 troops fails to control the violence in Baghdad and western Anbar province, where the Sunni insurgency is based.
“We at this point are planning for success,” he said.
Gates and Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sought to assure lawmakers the additional troops pegged for Iraq will go there with sufficient equipment for the fight.
They said that a shortage of armored vehicles in one phase of operations will be remedied by July, and troops who need them will not be deployed from their compound in Iraq until the vehicles are supplied.
Sen. John Warner, R-Va., a defense specialist, pressed Gates on the question of what happens if Bush’s plan does not work.
“I have to believe we’re thinking beyond the Baghdad operation,” the senator said. “It is not the last chance.”
Ellie
By Anne Flaherty - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Feb 6, 2007 12:06:05 EST
Defense Secretary Robert Gates asserted Tuesday the increase in U.S. forces in Iraq is “not the last chance” to succeed and conceded he is considering what steps to take if the buildup does not work.
“I would be irresponsible if I weren’t thinking about what the alternatives might be,” Gates told the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Gates was questioned on the war as the full Senate remained stalled over Democratic leaders’ efforts to begin a debate over President Bush’s course for Iraq.
Gates did not say what other options he was considering if the addition of 21,500 troops fails to control the violence in Baghdad and western Anbar province, where the Sunni insurgency is based.
“We at this point are planning for success,” he said.
Gates and Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sought to assure lawmakers the additional troops pegged for Iraq will go there with sufficient equipment for the fight.
They said that a shortage of armored vehicles in one phase of operations will be remedied by July, and troops who need them will not be deployed from their compound in Iraq until the vehicles are supplied.
Sen. John Warner, R-Va., a defense specialist, pressed Gates on the question of what happens if Bush’s plan does not work.
“I have to believe we’re thinking beyond the Baghdad operation,” the senator said. “It is not the last chance.”
Ellie