More signals that Bush is going to charge ahead with more troops. But:
The next question, of course, is whether anyone in the U.S. will approve of such a move.
The troops don't seem to care for the idea. Neither does the public. The Joint Chiefs aren't enthralled with the proposal, and new Defense Secretary Robert Gates apparently has some concerns of his own.
On the Hill, while congressional Democrats are nearly universal in their opposition to escalation, the list of high-profile Republican opponents, or at least skeptics, has grown considerably in just the last three days. Sens. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.), Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Norm Coleman (R-Minn.), Chuck Lugar (R-Ind.), Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) are all expressing doubts, if not outright opposition.
1 comment:
The real question is whether anyone can or will do anything about Bush's decision. The Joint Chiefs cannot really disobey an order from the C-in-C. Gates may disagree privately, but it would be unusual (and uncharacteristic) of him to publicly disagree with his boss, especially so soon after being appointed.
So it comes down to Congress. Even if Congress had the will, what would be the way? Can it override a military decision by the Decider? Can the Senate overcome a filibuster by McCain and Lieberman?
I will be very surprised if Bush doesn't get what he wants.
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