Fill out this form to email this article to a friend
Clinton blasts Pentagon aide
Her questions on troop pullout were called a boost to the enemy.
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published July 21, 2007
WASHINGTON - Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton hit back Friday at a top Pentagon aide, calling it offensive for him to suggest her questions about Iraq troop withdrawal planning are helping the enemy. Clinton, the Democratic front-runner for president, said she was "shocked by the time-worn tactic of once again impugning the patriotism of any of us who raise serious questions" about the Iraq war. Sen. John Kerry, the 2004 Democratic candidate for president, joined Clinton in a conference call with reporters to discuss new legislation aimed at forcing the Pentagon to answer congressional questions about plans for the eventual departure of U.S. troops from Iraq. Talk of such legislation came after a top Defense Department official wrote to Clinton saying such questions boost enemy propaganda. Clinton called that argument offensive, and argued it was more evidence that smart military planning is being subverted by misguided White House political strategies. Clinton first raised the issue in May, pointing out that whenever troops leave, it will be no simple task to transport the people, equipment and vehicles out of Iraq, possibly through hostile territory. The response penned by Eric Edelman was sharp. "Premature and public discussion of the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq reinforces enemy propaganda that the United States will abandon its allies in Iraq, much as we are perceived to have done in Vietnam, Lebanon and Somalia," Edelman wrote. Clinton has replied with her own letter to Edelman's boss, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, asking if he agreed with Edelman's charge. The New York senator wrote that Edelman had ducked her questions and "instead made spurious arguments to avoid addressing contingency planning." Gates, in a statement released Friday, said he is looking into the matter. "I have long been a staunch advocate of congressional oversight, first at the CIA and now at the Defense Department. I have said on several occasions in recent months that I believe that congressional debate on Iraq has been constructive and appropriate," said Gates.
[Last modified July 20, 2007, 23:02:53]
Share your thoughts on this story
Comments on this article
|
by John
|
07/21/07 04:31 PM
|
|
For 8 years questions put to the White House during Clinton Admin. were stonwalled.Now tables turned and Sen. Clinton not happy with answers very similiar to what she & Bill gave. WE need fresh blood in White House -No Clintons or Bushes.
|
|
by Susan
|
07/21/07 04:16 PM
|
|
Hillary will be in her highchair soon enough. Misogynists like Tom will eat their words.
|
|
by Franman
|
07/21/07 02:28 PM
|
|
Another example of why she should not EVER be elected-only an idiot would let the enemy know their military moves.
|
|
by dick
|
07/21/07 09:34 AM
|
|
yeah, whatever brain fart did hillary have that made her think she is even remotely qualified to be president of the united states of america??? on second thought, if she'd return the stolen furniture and china, she can have the job.
|
|
by Tom
|
07/21/07 07:35 AM
|
|
Come Clinton- what did you expect-from bushes & his groupies? Worry not- they have gotten richer and will be put out n 08-BUT that does not mean you will sit in the highchair- that's reserved for MEN only- i.e. Pres. Obama. U can be VP-ask nicely.
|
|
News
Fifty years ago, they were screwed-up kids sent to the Florida School for Boys to be straightened out. But now they are screwed-up men, scarred by the whippings they endured. Read the story and see a video and portrait gallery.
Print
Email story
Comment
Letter to the editor
