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Us is not winning the war in Iraq
US is not winning in Iraq, President Bush’s nominee for defence secretary conceded bluntly at his confirmation hearing on Tuesday in remarks that touched a raw nerve in US military and strategic circles.
Nominee, former CIA chief Robert Gates, also said the US would have to maintain some presence in Iraq for a long time. Gates did not commit to any particular line of action while saying he would take advice from every quarters. “I am under no illusion why I am sitting before you: the war in Iraq,†Gates told the senate foreign relations committee that has to confirm him. “I welcome the alternative strategies and tactics.â€
If confirmed, he said, he would quickly consult military commanders in the field and politicians back home to determine the best course of action in Iraq. But Gates candid admission bothered some analysts who wondered what kind of message it would send to US troops on the ground. The US political leadership has been insisting that it is winning the war.