Pentagon makes contingency plans for Iraq pullout

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN2635521820070726

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Pentagon is making contingency plans for a gradual U.S. withdrawal of troops from Iraq, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who called the planning a "priority."

In a letter delivered on Tuesday to Sen. Hillary Clinton, a New York Democrat and presidential candidate who tangled with the Pentagon to learn whether such plans exist, Gates said he was actively involved in drafting them.

He said he would work with the Senate Armed Services Committee to find a way to keep senators informed about the "conceptual thinking, factors, considerations, questions and objectives associated with drawdown planning."

"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," Gates said. "I consider this contingency planning to be a priority for this department."

[rinsd]

1. Thank you Kerry and Hillary!

[shadowknows69]

2. So, Rummy had no plan at all

and Gates is just getting started on one. It staggers the mind no?